Arsenal are open to negotiating an obligation to buy as part of any potential loan deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as the summer transfer window nears its end.
The Gunners are willing to allow the England international to seek regular playing time elsewhere.
but any deal must align with both manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu’s financial requirements.
Additionally, they would need to secure a suitable replacement before the August 30 deadline.
Espanyol’s Joan Garcia has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
However, his £25.4 million release clause could be a stumbling block for Arsenal.
Should they pursue the move, personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Southampton had been in discussions with Arsenal over a potential loan for Ramsdale, who attended their Championship play-off victory over Leeds at Wembley in May.
The Saints explored including an obligation to buy, which would have been triggered if they secured Premier League survival.
However, Southampton have since shifted focus and completed a deal for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Arsenal could still accept an option to buy for Ramsdale, provided the loan includes a substantial fee and the buying club agrees to cover a significant portion of the player’s £120,000-a-week salary.
Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for an initial £24 million in August 2021, is expected to fetch a similar fee should the club agree to a sale.
So far, Ajax and Wolves have seen their proposals for the 26-year-old rejected, while Bournemouth have also expressed interest in re-signing Ramsdale, who spent time at the Vitality Stadium earlier in his career.
Arsenal remain wary that Ramsdale’s value may be diminishing, as he has been relegated to a backup role since David Raya claimed the No.1 spot at the start of last season.
Ramsdale was also an unused substitute in Arsenal’s recent friendly wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of the European Championships, Ramsdale admitted that he has no intention of spending another season on the bench.
He said: “No footballer wants to not play, I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again.
“It was tough, it was tough.
“But I have my release now, I’m now here, I’ve got the greatest honour, the greatest badge on my chest, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if I play a minute or no minutes, it will be the pinnacle for me, the best day ever.”
Read more: Arne Slot explains changes to Liverpool’s style of play
Michael Owen reveals Liverpool’s ‘biggest signing’ this summer
Arne Slot opens up on Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool contracts
