Sheffield United believe Arsenal may be trying to push them into accepting a cut-price bid for Aaron Ramsdale by threatening to turn their focus on West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone instead, according to The Star.
While reports linking Bernd Leno with a move away from the Emirates have gone cold in recent weeks, that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from scouring the market in search of a replacement for the unsettled German.
Unai Simon and Andre Onana have been linked, although the London giants are also looking closer to home in pursuit of a new number one.
Luring Ramsdale away from Sheffield United, however, is proving to be easier said than done.
The Blades have made it clear they won’t accept a £20 million bid for Ramsdale, with Arsenal needing to pay closer to £40 million.
Sheffield United were relegated from the Premier League in April but, given Ramsdale is a dyed-in-the-wool Blades fan, a shot-stopper signed from Bournemouth just one year ago is unlikely to push for a move away from his boyhood club.
Aaron Ramsdale or Sam Johnstone for Arsenal?
Arsenal have now been linked with another member of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad – and another goalkeeper who dropped out of the top flight a few weeks ago.
One-time Manchester United youngster Johnstone is expected to be far cheaper than Ramsdale too, with new Baggies manager Valerien Ismael admitting this week the 28-year-old is likely to be sold.
According to The Star, Sheffield United believe Arsenal’s interest in Johnstone is very much real, although there’s also a nagging feeling there’s something else at play.
The Steel City giants suspect Arsenal may be using Johnstone as a ‘ploy’ in the hope Sheffield United cave in, decide they do need the money after all, and accept a reduced fee for Ramsdale.
Good luck with that…
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