- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Southampton have struck an agreement with Arsenal over a key addition to their squad this summer.
Southampton have been busy in the transfer market as the Saints aim to remain in the Premier League under Russell Martin after achieving promotion via the play-offs back in May.
The Saints have made a plethora of key additions to their squad including Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ben Bereton Diaz but the South Coast side are closing in on another addition.
HITC understands that Southampton have struck an agreement with Arsenal for the signing of Aaron Ramsdale for a fee in the region of £25 million.
Southampton agree Aaron Ramsdale fee with Arsenal
Earlier this summer, HITC reported that Arsenal were willing to allow Ramsdale to leave the Gunners on loan but now a permanent deal has been agreed.
Wolves were also understood to be keen on Ramsdale but it is Southampton who are understood to be on the verge of winning the race for the English goalkeeper.
Despite the Gunners being open to a loan deal for the former Bournemouth goalkeeper, HITC understands that Arsenal were pushing for a permanent deal.
Southampton are understood to have agreed to the Gunners’ demand and are set to pay £25 million for the English goalkeeper. The Saints are keen on holding onto their final loan spot having already brought in Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu on a temporary deal.
We reported that Arsenal had reached an agreement with Espanyol for Joan Garcia but Ramsdale was holding up the move but the Englishman now looks set to move to the St Mary’s Stadium.
HITC now understands that Arsenal will push ahead in a deal to sign Garcia with personal terms for the Spanish goalkeeper in place ahead of his move to the Emirates Stadium.
When Aaron Rasmdale is set to travel to Southampton
HITC understands that personal terms between Southampton and Ramsdale are currently being discussed but the South Coast side are expecting him at the club for a medical on Thursday.
Newcastle United were previously interested in Ramsdale but Eddie Howe’s side instead signed Nottingham Forest’s Odysseas Vlachodimos for £20 million.
As for Southampton’s other goalkeeping options, the South Coast club are understood to have received interest from Manchester City and Liverpool for Alex McCarthy.
However, sources told HITC back in June that the Saint have convinced the Englishman to turn down interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest sides with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal understood to be interested.
Ramsdale now looks set to move to the South Coast and become the first-choice goalkeeper.
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