Arsenal set for transfer windfall as former star is linked with Premier League move
Today at 07:36 AM
Arsenal could bank some helpful transfer funds in January as one of their former players is linked with a move to a Premier League rival.
It has been reported that Aaron Ramsdale could be leaving Southampton just six months after he departed the Emirates in a deal worth an initial £18million.
The deal included £7m in possible add-ons, with the Gunners to receive £1m if the Saints avoid relegation to the Championship this season.
That seems unlikely to happen however with Southampton picking up just six points from their opening 20 games – one of the worst starts to a Premier League campaign ever.
Ramsdale has performed admirably given the circumstances and the England goalkeeper remains highly-rated.
To that end, it is likely that he’ll leave St. Mary’s in the summer, with The Sun reporting that Newcastle United are very interested in his services as they look for a long-term replacement for Nick Pope.
If Ramsdale was to make the move, Arsenal would be in for a payday as, according to football.london, they inserted a sell-on clause into the 26-year-old’s contract.
It is not known how much they could receive, though every penny will help Mikel Arteta as he looks to bring in a top-class forward to help his side win the Premier League title.
But a move for Ramsdale may even come before the January transfer window closes as there is uncertainty around the future of Newcastle’s back-up keeper Martin Dubravka.
The 35-year-old has just six months left on his contract and is attracting strong interest from the Saudi Pro League, though Eddie Howe has stated he would like to keep the player at St. James’ Park.
‘I think Martin's been in a difficult situation. Any player who is coming out of contract in the summer, there's always that feeling of doubt,’ the Newcastle boss said on Friday.
‘He'll naturally want some sort of conclusion to his future, whether that's a new contract with us or whatever the outcome. He's played really well, I've been really pleased with him. Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him.’
Ramsdale left Arsenal last summer after three years at the club where he established himself as one of the top-flight’s best goalkeepers.
He was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2022/23 as the Gunners narrowly missed out on the title before the club shockingly signed David Raya to replace him in-between the sticks.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
