Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsdale, Sheffield United's goalkeeper, on a long-term contract.
The Gunners could increase the fee to $30m, including any add-ons, depending on Ramsdale becoming their long-term No. 1.
Ramsdale, who originally joined Sheffield United in 2020 from Bournemouth, has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar.
Image: Ramsdale signs a long-term agreement with the Gunners
Bournemouth can sell anything above 19m for a 15% discount. Alex Runarsson, the backup goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium, would be allowed to leave the club.
Ramsdale was capped at U18 and U21 level by England. He was re-joined Sheffield United in an 18.5m deal with relegated Bournemouth last summer.
Image: Ramsdale joined Sheffield United in 2020 from Bournemouth
He was Sheffield United's Player of the Season despite their relegation, and the same was true in his final season at Bournemouth 2019/20.
Ramsdale was part England's Euro 2020 squad that reached the final. However, he has yet to make his international debut.
Ramsdale could cost as much as 30 million. Bernd Leno's future has been questioned. The German will be entering the last year of his contract next year. He suggested earlier this season that he would like a new challenge away from the club.
Gabriele Marcotti, ESPN's football expert, said that he wasn't sure of Arsenal's motives and whether they have a long-term strategy with Ramsdale.
He said that he believes Ramsdale could be a better goalkeeper but Arsenal must be smart. If they are smart, then you will have another deal in the works when you sign a deal. You can often make a deal and have another deal lined up because of the domino effect.
"So, they might have someone lined up to take Leno. As I have read, and people in the know keep saying that they are getting this because Mikel Arteta likes having two top goalkeepers competing for the job, I don't understand it. Emi Martinez was there before. We saw the results and he wanted to leave. It doesn't seem like top clubs have two number one players competing for the same position.
It can happen occasionally. Manchester United is an exception to this rule. There is a hierarchy in most clubs. This tells me that if they are smart, they have someone lined up for Leno or Arteta doesn't like him.
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