Arsenal's pursuit of goalkeeper Ramsdale on the verge of breaking down
12/08/2021; 11:35 AM By : Steven D. Thompson
Arsenal have reportedly ended their interest in Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following a breakdown in talks on Wednesday.
Representatives from both clubs were said to have met and held lengthy talks but no resolution was agreed on at both ends.
Indications are that the Gunners will now end their pursuit of the England international and look elsewhere in search of a deputy to goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Both sides fail to come to an agreement
In the early hours of Wednesday, reports emerged that the Gunners were in advanced talks with Sheffield United regarding the signature of Aaron Ramsdale. However, it appears there was no progress after long talks between both parties.
By the end of the day, the reports were much different. The Athletic reported that the Blades were holding out for somewhere around 30m while the Gunners were only willing to go as far as 20m, including some add-ons.
Arsenal's insistence on Ramsdale hinges on the fact that they are in search of a homegrown goalkeeper and not many fit the bill like the Sheffield man. On his own part, the 23-year-old has been decent over the past few seasons and was even named Sheffield's player of the season last term. Regardless, there has been a huge question mark on the valuation placed on him.
A number of Arsenal fans were quick to voice their opinion and thoughts on such a move, claiming it was ridiculous to spend such an amount on a goalkeeper with other more areas needing to be strengthened.
Arsenal to consider other options
With Alex Runarsson not yet ready for a challenge, the Gunners are still in the hunt to get adequate backup to Bernd Leno ahead of the new season. Given that their preference remains a homegrown name, Arsenal could now revisit their interest in West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. It is believed that the 28-year-old could be available for much less.
Elsewhere, the North London outfit have also been linked with a move for Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroonian could be available for as low as 8m but for some reason, the Gunners have not placed him as a top priority.
Failure to come to an agreement for Ramsdale means the Gunners are now left with little to no time to sort their goalkeeper conundrum ahead of the new campaign.
An injury to Bernd Leno could prove to be disastrous with no other reliable name as backup. Arsenal will need to make a decision fast regarding their next target as well as closing out the deal as well.
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