Arsenal were chasing a deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale even before the end of last season, with their chase lasting more than three months.
That’s according to Paul Heckingbottom, who managed Ramsdale in an interim spell in charge of Sheffield United last season.
Heckingbottom has since reverted to an Under-23 coach at Sheffield United, but knows Ramsdale’s game inside out.
Heckingbottom has now told the Daily Mail that he knew Arsenal wanted to sign Ramsdale before last season even finished.
The 44-year-old now thinks Arsenal could have one of the best goalkeepers around for years to come with Ramsdale already shining.
“I knew of Arsenal’s interest before the end of last season and it made perfect sense to me,” said Heckingbottom. “I’d have loved him to stay because we would have had the best keeper in the Championship but he’s a great signing for Arsenal. They could have one of the best goalkeepers in the country for years to come,” he added.
Arsenal’s lengthy Ramsdale pursuit pays off
The 2020-21 Premier League season ended on May 22nd, with Arsenal finally signing Ramsdale for £30million on August 24th.
That means Edu spent more than three months chasing Ramsdale’s signature despite many questioning his pursuit.
Some felt that Ramsdale just wouldn’t be good enough for Arsenal and was too expensive to be cover for Bernd Leno.
Ramsdale has proven his doubters wrong, turning in superb performances for Arsenal.
Edu has justified his chase, sticking to his guns by making Ramsdale his top target throughout and not veering away from that verdict.
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