Aaron Ramsdale Set to Join Southampton from Arsenal

Southampton Football Club has reached an agreement to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal on a permanent transfer deal valued at approximately £25 million, which includes additional performance-related add-ons.

The agreement includes an initial payment of £18 million, with a potential further £1 million to be paid if the team successfully avoids relegation from the Premier League. The remaining amount encompasses various incentives linked to the player’s performance.

This signing follows Southampton’s unsuccessful attempt to land Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, which fell through due to issues identified during the medical examination. Ramsdale, who has been primarily a backup to David Raya at Arsenal, is now positioned to return to the south coast on a long-term contract.

Previously, Ramsdale played three seasons at Bournemouth after transferring from Sheffield United in 2017. Bournemouth also expressed interest in the 26-year-old keeper but ultimately opted to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a season-long loan instead.

Aside from his professional commitments, Ramsdale made headlines recently by donning a Hagrid costume from the Harry Potter series during the Championship playoff final at Wembley, in support of his close friend David Brooks.

The anticipated departure of Ramsdale from Arsenal may lead to the club pursuing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García as a replacement. Additionally, Eddie Nketiah is another potential outgoing transfer before the upcoming deadline.

In other transfer news, Crystal Palace appears ready to secure Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg for a deal worth up to €21 million. Their latest bid includes an upfront payment of €18 million, complemented by potential add-ons of €3 million.

Maxence Lacroix, who has a history with former Wolves coach Oliver Glasner, could be a valuable reinforcement for the Palace defense.