Aaron Ramsdale has left Arsenal permanently and is moving to Premier League rivals Southampton.
The English goalkeeper has signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s and The Pitch Prospect has learned that the deal is worth an initial £18 million, with the fee rising to £25 million if the Saints avoid relegation this season.
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And he is expected to become Southampton’s new No.1 immediately and may even be registered in time for the game against Brentford on Saturday.
Saints boss Russell Martin says his arrival will be a huge boost to the team but admits he feels “pity for Alex McCarthy”, the club’s promotion hero who appears to have lost his place between the sticks.
“If you had asked me four or five weeks ago whether we had a chance of signing Aaron Ramsdale, I would have thought you were probably crazy,” Martin said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“We’ve talked quite a lot during this time, I’ve annoyed him a bit, and a week ago I would probably have thought, you know, this isn’t possible, but it’s still worth a try.”
“Some of the guys might be surprised that he’s coming and such a big arrival will be a boost for everyone – but there will be one 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 will be eternally grateful to him.”
“I know it would be cool if we had Aaron ready in time for tomorrow’s game. And while I’m really excited to have Aaron join us and I’m really happy with the group we have and I’m excited about the signing, I really feel sorry for Alex.”
Ramsdale said he was “delighted” with the move, while Martin admitted the goalkeeper had been “frustrated” last season by spending most of his time on Arsenal’s bench.
It has been heavily linked with an exit for the Arsenal goalkeeper this summer after he lost his No.1 shirt last season to David Raya, whose original loan move from Brentford was converted into a permanent transfer at the start of this transfer window.
A loan had been discussed at length and numerous clubs in England and across Europe were interested, but Southampton were willing to spend a lot of money to get the goalkeeper outright.
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The 26-year-old has been keen to get back to regular football after making just 11 appearances in all competitions last season and it looks like his wish will come true in a Southampton shirt.
“He wants to be here, that’s so important,” added Martin. “He’s seen how we’ve played, he’s seen the first few games and I think he admires the courage of the players. I think he knows he has the chance to prove himself and show everyone what a good goalkeeper is.”
“I think he was frustrated last year with the lack of playing time, but he brings a winning mentality, great character and a strong voice, and as far as players go, we’re a pretty quiet group because we’re a young group.”
“So he brings experience, attitude and a winning mentality. I think he’s going to be great.”
The original £18m deal represents a slight backtrack on Arsenal, who wanted to loan Ramsdale this summer with the commitment to buy him for up to £30m.
Ramsdale joined the Gunners from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 for the same amount of £30 million.
However, just hours before the transfer window closes, they have accepted a lower offer to allow the goalkeeper to move up the club’s league title and get him into the first team. However, if Southampton do not get relegated, the transfer fee will rise to £25 million.
Several clubs have expressed interest in the 26-year-old, but all offers from Wolves, Bournemouth and Dutch top club Ajax have been rejected by Arsenal.
The Saints then entered the race after their move for Feyenoord No.1 Justin Bijlow was halted due to medical issues and quickly completed a deal for Ramsdale to boost their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.
The winner of last season’s Championship play-off final sits 16th in the top flight after starting the new season with two consecutive defeats against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Ramsdale will leave Arsenal after making 89 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and helping the club win the Community Shield in 2023.
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His £30 million signing raised many eyebrows at the time, but the young goalkeeper – aged 23 when he signed – quickly convinced his doubters with some impressive performances between the posts, earning praise for his reaction saves and acrobatic stops.
He also won over his fans through his penchant for making fun of his opponents, especially the opposing fans behind his goal, as well as his passionate celebrations from the other end of the pitch when he watched his teammates score goals.
However, the youngster also developed a reputation for lacking concentration in crucial moments, which led to a series of major blunders and ultimately led to Mikel Arteta putting his trust in another player.