Aaron Ramsdale is set to leave Arsenal to join Southampton in a deal that could be worth up to ₤25 million.
His departure from the Emirates had been on the cards for some time. Named in the Premier League team of the year for the 2022-2023 season, he signed a new contract with the Gunners, only to find himself then displaced by the arrival of David Raya.
And, although Mikel Arteta claimed they would compete for the goalkeeping jersey, it soon became clear that the Spaniard was his preferred number one.
Ramsdale remains a popular figure among the club’s supporters and were initially opposed to Raya, but his performances since have won them over.
Ramsdale at that stage was on the verge of challenging Jordan Pickford for his England’s place as well, but a season spent largely as a back-up undermined his confidence, and, when he did play for the Gunners, he looked nervous.
Joining a club that are likely to be fighting relegation this summer should mean that Ramsdale is kept busy in the months to come.
