Arsenal are eyeing a move for Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale but the Gunners might have to shell out £30 million to acquire the services of the 23-year-old.
The Guardian are suggesting that Arsenal are about to make a third and final offer for the shot-stopper but as of now, the Blades are not ready to negotiate their asking price.
While discussing the Smith Rowe contract, the report claimed: “They retain a strong interest in the Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and the Guardian understands that, having seen two bids rejected, they will test the Blades’ resolve with a third and likely final offer for the 23-year-old.
“The asking price is £30m including add-ons.”
Arsenal to shell out £30 million for Aaron Ramsdale?
Arsenal had the perfect backup in the form of Emi Martinez and according to pundit Trevor Sinclair, the Gunners totally messed up this whole arrangement thanks to some poor decision-making.
“Listen, I don’t get it,” Sinclair told talkSPORT on Wednesday. “We’ve said before, Emi Martinez going to Villa – why? He was playing superbly well for Arsenal.
“They’ve allowed their best keeper to leave and now they are chasing their tail trying to get someone in to give competition for Leno.
“I just don’t understand how Arsenal is being run as a football club. For me, that Emi Martinez one should have never gone through. I know he wanted to play, but let those two goalkeepers play it out for the No.1 jersey and keep it honest.
“They’ve not done it and they’ve let him go and he has been superb at Villa. I think for Aaron Ramsdale, that will be a great move for him. It’s a huge club, Arsenal, and it is quite a big fee.”
Emi Martinez has shone for club and country during the past year, something which Arsenal should have foreseen during the 2019-20 season itself.
£30 million is a lot of money for someone who is not going to even be a guaranteed first-team player for the club next season. But, as things stand, Arsenal do not have a choice but to pay up.
Mikel Arteta needs to add a proper backup in the keeper’s department and someone like Aaron Ramsdale will be the perfect fit.
Even Sheffield United understand Arsenal’s desperation in this scenario which is why they are unlikely to lower their asking price for the 23-year-old. Also, the Blades paid £18.5 million for the keeper just last year so they have every right to quote £30-odd million for his sale.
