Aaron Ramsdale is one of a number of goalkeepers Arsenal are considering; Sheffield United and England shot-stopper made 42 appearances in all competitions last season; Arsenal interest throws into doubt Bernd Leno's future with the club
Thursday 17 June 2021 07:15, UK
Arsenal are interested in signing Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The 23-year-old former Bournemouth shot-stopper is one of a number of goalkeepers Arsenal are looking at.
They remain interested in Brighton's Mat Ryan, who spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at the Emirates stadium.
The Gunners' interest in Ramsdale throws into doubt the future of Bernd Leno, who may move on after three years at the club.
Ramsdale made 42 appearances in all competitions for Sheffield United but failed to help prevent their relegation from the Premier League.
The highly-rated 'keeper was drafted into Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros in place of Dean Henderson earlier this week after the Manchester United player was forced to withdraw from the side because of a hip injury.
Brighton have rejected a £40m bid from Arsenal for defender Ben White.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs.
Arsenal are expected to go back with an improved offer for the 23-year-old centre-back, who made 36 Premier League appearances for Brighton this season after spending the 2019-20 season on loan at Leeds.
Arsenal have rejected a bid from Aston Villa for forward Emile Smith Rowe.
The Gunners are not entertaining offers for the player and remain hopeful he will sign a new contract. Smith Rowe's current deal runs until the summer of 2023.
The academy product impressed during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring seven times and making seven assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.
Sky Sports' Nick Wright:
"Arsenal had the third-best defensive record in the Premier League last season, conceding just 39 goals across their 38 fixtures, but their interest in Ramsdale and White suggests Mikel Arteta regards defensive improvement as a priority this summer.
"The Gunners do look light at centre-back following David Luiz's departure. William Saliba is due to return from his loan spell with Nice ahead of the new campaign and will hope to compete for a place in the side but Arteta evidently feels an external solution is required.
"White impressed for Brighton during his first season in the top flight, starting all but two of their Premier League fixtures and at times featuring in central midfield. The 23-year-old's performances earned him a place in England's Euro 2020 squad.
"White's ball-playing ability and age make him an enticing proposition for Arsenal and they doubtless see similar qualities in Ramsdale.
"The goalkeeper, also 23 and also called up to the England squad this week, showed his potential during a difficult season with Sheffield United and is comfortable playing out from the back.
"Arsenal's interest in Ramsdale casts doubt on Bernd Leno's future. Together with the club's pursuit of White, it also shows Arteta wants a defensive refresh."
