Southampton have finalised the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal in a deal worth £25 million.
The 26-year-old English international has agreed to a four-year contract, with the club holding an option for a further year.
Ramsdale expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted. The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.”
Russell Martin, manager of Southampton, expressed his appreciation for the deal by saying, “Aaron is a big statement signing for us.” Considering how many other clubs were eager to sign him, I am extremely appreciative of ownership and the board for making it happen.”
Ramsdale, who has five England caps, joined Arsenal in 2021 for £26 million and made 89 appearances for the club. He was part of England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The move sees Ramsdale reunite with close friend David Brooks, who was on loan at Southampton last season. Notably, Ramsdale attended Southampton’s playoff final in a Hagrid costume, a theme playfully revisited in the club’s announcement video.
Arsenal are expected to sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan as Ramsdale’s replacement.
