Southampton have completed the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal in a deal that could reach up to £25m.
The England international heads for the Emirates exit door following a mixed three years in North London, where he became Mikel Arteta's number one and helped transform the Gunners into serious title challengers.
However, Ramsdale was ruthlessly demoted to second choice behind David Raya last season, and following the Spaniard's permanent arrival from Brentford, a parting of the ways was always expected to materialise this summer.
Southampton will reportedly pay an upfront fee of £18m for the 26-year-old, and Arsenal will receive another £1m if the Saints stay up this season, while another £6m can be banked through performance-related achievements.
Arsenal manager Arteta and sporting director Edu both paid tribute to Ramsdale upon confirmation of his exit, with the former telling the Gunners' website: "Aaron has been a top professional since joining in 2021 and has made many contributions during his time with us.
Wizard in the window 🪄
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 30, 2024
We are delighted to confirm the signing of @AaronRamsdale98 on a four-year contract from @Arsenal 🤩
Ramsdale: 'Russell Martin made me feel eight feet tall'
"We thank Aaron for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him and his family the best of health, success and happiness in his new opportunity with Southampton."
Meanwhile, Edu added: "We are pleased to have reached a very positive transfer completion with Southampton and Aaron leaves us with our best wishes. We thank Aaron for his performances for the club since joining us three years ago, and we wish him and his family well in their new chapter."
Speaking to the Saints website after signing a four-year deal at St Mary's, Ramsdale - who returns to the south coast following his time at Bournemouth - hailed manager Russell Martin's influence in getting a deal over the line.
"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," Ramsdale added.
"Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running. I'm looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here."
Can Ramsdale make his Southampton debut this weekend?
© Reuters
For new signings to be able to make their Premier League debuts this weekend, they would need to be registered by 12pm on Friday, and that is believed to have been the case in Ramsdale's circumstances.
As a result, the Englishman could come straight into the Saints team for their trip to Brentford on Saturday, and he should be Southampton's undisputed number one for at least a few months while Gavin Bazunu recovers from his Achilles injury.
"I'm delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I'm very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him," Martin said.
"His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he's a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room."
Ramsdale leaves Arsenal with a record of 32 clean sheets from 89 appearances in all competitions, including 14 shut-outs in the 2022-23 Premier League season, earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Ben Knapton
