Southampton have secured the signing of Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for a fee of £25 million.
The deal includes an initial £18 million payment, with an additional £7 million in potential add-ons.
The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Saints, with an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Aaron Ramsdale, who has earned five caps for England, was included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
He made 89 appearances for Arsenal following his £26 million transfer from Sheffield United in 2021.
There had been speculation linking him with a move to Wolves.
In response to Ramsdale’s departure, Arsenal are expected to finalise a season-long loan deal for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” declared Ramsdale after sealing his £25million move to St Mary’s.
“The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.
“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family [having previously played for Bournemouth ], it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.
“I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”
Saints boss Martin had been uncertain about whether the deal would be finalized for nearly a week, concerned that Arsenal might back out or another Premier League team could swoop in at the last minute.
However, after successfully securing Ramsdale and signing the goalkeeper to a four-year deal, he couldn’t hide his happiness.
“I’m delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him,” said Martin.
“Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on. Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality.
“Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron.”
Read more: Manchester United and Tottenham get to know Europa League opponents
Chelsea closing in on Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho
Caoimhin Kelleher transfer update as Nottingham Forest eye late move for goalkeeper
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?