Aaron Ramsdale completes £18m move to Southampton after 'frustrating' 12 months in charge at Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale has left Arsenal to join Premier League rivals Southampton on a permanent transfer.

The England goalkeeper has signed a four-year contract at St Mary's, and talkSPORT understands the deal is worth an initial £18m, rising to £25m if Saints stay this season.

And he is expected to immediately become Southampton's new No.1 and could even be registered in time to face Brentford on Saturday.

Saints manager Russell Martin says his arrival will be a huge boost for the team, although he admits he “feels sorry for Alex McCarthy”, the club's promotion hero who appears to have lost his place in goal.

“If you had asked me four or five weeks ago if we would have had the opportunity to sign Aaron Ramsdale, I would have thought you were probably crazy,” Martin said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“We talked quite a bit during that period of time, I teased him a bit, and even a week ago I probably would have thought, you know, it can't be done, but it's still worth a try.

“Some of the lads might be surprised by his arrival and a big arrival like this will give everyone a boost, but there will be one lad who probably won't be happy about it, and that's Alex.

“Alex has been incredible for us. If he hadn't come into the team and done what he did last season, we wouldn't have been promoted. Without Alex we wouldn't be in the Premier League, so I'm forever grateful to him.

“I know it would be great if we can get Aaron done in time for tomorrow's game, and while I'm really happy Aaron is coming and really happy with the group we have and excited about that signing, I really feel sorry for Alex.”

Ramsdale says he is “delighted” with the move, with Martin admitting the goalkeeper was left “frustrated” last season after spending much of the campaign on the Arsenal bench.

The man with the gloves was strongly linked to a Arsenal leaving this summer after having lost his number 1 shirt to David Raya last season, whose initial loan from Brentford became a permanent transfer at the start of this window.

A loan exit had been widely discussed, with many clubs interested in England and across Europe, but Southampton They were willing to spend all their money to get the goalkeeper directly.

5

5

The 26-year-old was desperate to play regular football again after making just 11 appearances last season in all competitions, and he looks set to get his wish in a Southampton shirt.

“He wants to be here, which is very important,” Martin added. “He's seen how we play, he's seen the first two games and I think he admires the courage of the players. I think he knows he has the opportunity to express himself and to come and show everyone what a good goalkeeper is.”

“I think he's been frustrated over the last year with a lack of playing time, but he brings a winning mentality, he brings great character, he brings a great voice and we're a pretty calm group in terms of players because we're a young group.

“He brings experience, attitude and a winning mentality. I think he's going to be fantastic.”

The initial £18m deal represents a slight step down from Arsenal, who were looking to send Ramsdale on loan with an obligation to buy for up to £30m this summer.

Ramsdale joined the Gunners from Sheffield United for the same £30million fee in the summer of 2021.

But with hours to go before the window closes, they have accepted a lower offer to allow the goalkeeper to leave for more regular first-team action, although that fee will rise to £25m if Southampton avoid relegation.

Several clubs showed interest in the 26-year-old, with wolvesBournemouth and Dutch giants Ajax see their offers rejected by Arsenal.

The Saints then entered the race after issues with a medical halted their move for Feyenoord No.1 Justin Bijlow, and they quickly secured a deal for Ramsdale to boost their hopes of Premier League safety.

Last season's Championship play-off final winners sit 16th in the top-flight table after starting the new campaign with back-to-back defeats to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Ramsdale will leave Arsenal after making 89 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, helping the club lift the Community Shield in 2023.

5

5

His £30m arrival surprised many at the time, but the young goalkeeper (23 when he signed) quickly won over his doubters with some impressive displays between the sticks, earning praise for his reaction shots and acrobatic saves.

He also won over fans with his tendency to taunt opponents, especially opposing supporters sitting behind his goal, as well as with his passionate celebrations from the other end of the pitch as he watched his teammates score.

However, the youngster also earned a reputation for lacking concentration at key moments, leading him to make a number of big mistakes and find himself Mikel Arteta In the end he put his trust in another.