Southampton are hopeful that the deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal can be completed in time to make his debut for the club against Brentford on Saturday.
Russell Martin looks to have finally addressed the goalkeeper position as Southampton have negotiated a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale.
Whilst Alex McCarthy deputised for the injured Gavin Bazunu capably at the backend of last season, Martin has been keen to sign an improvement for the Premier League.
In Ramsdale, the Southampton boss will certainly get that and the hope will be that the England international can be involved straight away as the Saints seek their first points of the new season away at Brentford at 3pm on Saturday.
Aaron Ramsdale at Southampton training ground ahead of signing
After a move for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow collapsed at the final hurdle due to a failed medical a mater of days ago, Southampton fans will be understandably cautious about the Ramsdale deal.
Arsenal have now secured a replacement back-up stopper for Ramsdale in Bournemouth’s Neto which should now see Ramsdale’s move to Southampton finalised.
- READ MORE: David Seaman has already given exciting Aaron Ramsdale verdict ahead of Southampton transfer
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam is at Staplewood to report on any transfer activity and he revealed live on Sky Sports at 11:23am that: “Aaron Ramsdale is in the building”.
McAdam went on to explain that the paperwork is being signed and there is hope that the deal will be registered in time for the 12pm cut off in order to allow Ramsdale to make his Southampton debut at the weekend.
McAdam went on to add: “There is a lot of excitement for this signing.
“It’s a real statement of intent from Russell Martin and Southampton and once again the board have backed the manager when it comes to finding their number one targets.”
Ramsdale arrival should give Southampton boost ahead of Brentford
Whilst it may be deemed a risk to throw Ramsdale straight into action, his availability would be a real boost to Martin and the Southampton players.
Of course, the displaced McCarthy would understandably be disappointed but Ramsdale would provide a safe pair of hands who is very capable with his feet.
This is crucial to how Martin wants his Southampton side to play and it is difficult to argue against the fact that the Saints’ chances of getting their first points of the season on the board at Brentford increase significantly should Ramsdale keep goal.