Arsenal do not have to pay Sheffield United anything extra from their summer transfer for Aaron Ramsdale after he made his England debut against San Marino, as per The Star.
The Gunners paid the Blades an initial £24m for the goalkeeper in August, in a deal that can reach £30m. But none of the £6m in performance-related add-ons relate to England caps.
Instead, Arsenal Technical Director Edu linked each bonus to domestic performances while negotiating Chesterton-born Ramsdale’s transfer with Sheffield United.
Sheffield United sold Ramsdale to Arsenal in the last transfer window as he wanted to stay a Premier League player. With the 23-year-old believing top-flight football was necessary to further his England chances after two relegations in as many seasons.
Gareth Southgate overlooked Ramsdale’s domestic struggles and named him in an England squad for the first time for Euro 2020. But the 6 ft 1 goalkeeper only served a back-up role with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone behind Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford.
Southgate also favoured Nick Pope for England’s September fixtures over Ramsdale, after the Burnley ace overcome a knee injury that needed surgery and kept him out of the Euros.
Ramsdale’s efforts with Arsenal forced a changed of thought, however, with Southgate selecting the £63k-a-week ace this month. And giving him his England debut on Monday.
Ramsdale transfer a masterclass by Arsenal chief Edu
Edu avoiding including any international targets as add-ons in Ramsdale’s transfer from Sheffield United was a masterclass for Arsenal.
Especially as Ramsdale supposedly sought to leave Bramall Lane to further his chances of England caps after a second relegation.
Ramsdale will now be looking to build on his debut and rival Pickford to be Southgate’s first choice. With his Gunners form getting his foot back through the door, and his performance in San Marino impressing and earning praise from Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
The goalkeeper’s performances in north London will have also brought Edu delight. With Arsenal unbeaten over Ramsdale’s nine appearances so far with six clean sheets, too.
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