Aaron Ramsdale has been on Mikel Arteta's radar this summer, having originally joined Sheffield United from Bournemouth in 2020.
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English Premier League (EPL) giants Arsenal have signed Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a long-term contract. The 23-year-old was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, and has represented England at all levels from Under-18 to Under-21. Ramsdale was further Sheffield United’s player of the year last season. The 23-year-old started his career with the youth set-up at Bolton Wanderers. This was followed by Ramsdale moving to Sheffield United in 2013, progressing through their Academy.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta termed the goalkeeper as a really talented young footballer, who enjoyed huge potential.
“I think they’re going to love his personality, his character, the quality that he has as a goalkeeper and what he’s going to offer. I think he’s a young goalkeeper, but he’s got huge, huge potential,” he said as quoted by Arsenal’s official website.
Arteta further believes that Ramsdale’s addition will result in enhanced competition in the goalkeeping department.
“Well, it’s what we want [having two good goalkeepers] and it’s always been the case at this football club, it’s nothing new. We’re going to have two different profiles at two different stages in their career. Aaron is a really, really talented young goalkeeper with already huge experience and an international for England, and he’s going to bring competition, which is what we want, to create healthy competition, quality competition in every position. We needed a goalkeeper there and he’s the ideal option,” added the Arsenal manager.
Ramsdale has been a consistent performer over the years. The 23-year-old signed for then Premier League side Bournemouth in 2017, spending three years at the south coast club. The goalkeeper underwent loan spells firstly with Chesterfield and then AFC Wimbledon, where he won the club’s young player of the season award. Ramsdale helped the latter retain their League One status in 2018/19, having been 10 points from safety in the February of that season.
This was followed by the English footballer returning to Sheffield United in 2020. Ramsdale was a top performer, starting every Premier League match for the Blades last season. He will wear the number 32 shirt and is available for Sunday’s match against Chelsea.
Former club Sheffield United highlighted the goalkeeper’s desire to leave as a significant factor behind their decision to permit a transfer.
” Sheffield United have accepted an offer for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The club turned down a number of bids from Arsenal and expressed a desire to keep Ramsdale at Bramall Lane for the long-term. However, discussions earlier this week with the player and his representatives highlighted his desire to further his career away from S2. In addition, Arsenal returned with another improved, head-turning bid,” read the statement.
“It was felt the best decision was to accept a club record, undisclosed fee and wish Aaron well for the future. He made a total of 46 appearances in all competitions for the Blades after making his debut at home to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup in 2016,” it concluded.
