Wolves’ interest prompted Arsenal to prepare selling Aaron Ramsdale for £20 million.
Wolves' interest prompted Arsenal to prepare selling Aaron Ramsdale for £20 million.
Arsenal Prepared to Sell Aaron Ramsdale for £20M Amid Wolves Interest
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal are reportedly willing to part ways with their goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, for a fee of £20 million, amid interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers. This news comes as the Gunners are close to securing the sale of striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace for a deal worth £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Ramsdale, who has been a crucial part of the Arsenal squad for the past two seasons, may now be the next player heading for the exit door. Wolves have already held talks with the Gunners over an initial loan move for the 26-year-old, but Arsenal’s preference is to secure a permanent transfer deal.
The Gunners are seeking £20 million for Ramsdale’s services, but it remains unclear whether Wolves will be willing to meet the asking price, given their financial constraints. This valuation may seem low for a player who has established himself as England’s second-choice goalkeeper, but his lack of playing time over the past year could be a contributing factor to the reduced price tag.
Ramsdale’s departure from the Emirates Stadium could be seen as a surprise, considering his impressive performances during his first two seasons with the club. However, the arrival of David Raya on an initial loan deal last season has seen the Spaniard cement his position as the undisputed choice between the sticks for Arsenal.
Raya’s superior range of distribution and his ability to play out from the back have made him a better fit for Mikel Arteta’s preferred playing style. This has ultimately led to Ramsdale losing his starting spot, raising questions about his long-term future at the club.
The potential sale of Ramsdale could be seen as a strategic move by Arsenal to free up funds and create space in their squad for new signings. The Gunners have already identified a replacement for the England international, agreeing terms with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Garcia, a highly-rated 22-year-old goalkeeper, has a release clause worth £25 million in his contract. However, the Gunners are hopeful of securing his services for a lower fee before the transfer window closes. This could be a shrewd piece of business, as the club looks to strengthen their goalkeeping options while generating funds from the sale of Ramsdale.
For Wolves, the acquisition of Ramsdale could be a significant coup, as they seek to bolster their squad and challenge for a top-half finish in the Premier League next season. The opportunity to take over the gloves from the experienced José Sá could be an enticing prospect for the 26-year-old, who may be keen to secure regular playing time and continue his development.
Overall, the potential sale of Aaron Ramsdale for £20 million to Wolves represents an intriguing chapter in Arsenal’s summer transfer activity. The move could benefit all parties involved, as the Gunners look to reinvest the funds and strengthen their squad, while Ramsdale and Wolves seek to capitalize on a mutually beneficial opportunity.