Arsenal complete signing of keeper Ramsdale from Sheffield United
Football
By
Reuters
| Aug 21, 2021
Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United on a long-term contract, the Premier League side said on Friday.
British media reported that 23-year-old had been handed a four-year deal for an initial fee of 24 million pounds ($32.70 million).
The former England Under-21 international was a major target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta but the London club was initially put off by Sheffield United's steep asking price, reportedly worth 40 million pounds ($54.50 million).
"The club turned down a number of bids from Arsenal and expressed a desire to keep Ramsdale at Bramall Lane for the long-term. However, discussions earlier this week with the player and his representatives highlighted his desire to further his career away from S2," Sheffield United said in a statement.
"In addition, Arsenal returned with another improved, head-turning bid. It was felt the best decision was to accept a club record," the statement added.
READ MORE
Clerics' crucial role at the COP29 climate talks
Ruto, AU noble climate plan bound to fail
Africa plans to take common stand on climate change, peace and security
Africa caravan rallies citizens to lobby for climate justice at COP29
Why COP29 will be a clear litmus test for climate crisis
Unmet climate pledges fuel Africa's push for $5.9t by 2030 to avert loss and damage
CS Aden Duale: Finance must be Africa's priority in COP29 position paper
How rich nations are setting up COP29 to flop
Africa, civil societies push for climate financing
Extreme weather events call for urgent, bold climate action from global leaders
Ramsdale, who joined Sheffield United from Bournemouth in August 2020, played all 38 games in the league last season, keeping five clean sheets.
He was named Player of the Year at Bramall Lane but was unable to prevent the club from being relegated to the second-tier Championship.
Ramsdale's arrival at the Emirates Stadium is likely to see second-choice keeper Alex Runarsson, signed from French side Dijon last year, leave the club.
Arsenal, who lost to Brentford in their Premier League opener last week, host Chelsea on Sunday.