Southampton fans were left delighted as news of a breakthrough in negotiations on a deal for Aaron Ramsdale broke on Wednesday night.
Russell Martin has needed a new first-choice goalkeeper all summer and this issue was highlighted in dramatic fashion as an Alex McCarthy error condemned Southampton to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the opening day.
That looked to be addressed earlier in the week with a move for Justin Bijlow, but the Feyenoord goalkeeper failed a medical which led to the transfer collapsing.
With that in mind, Southampton fans will be sweating over the fact Aaron Ramsdale has not yet been announced as a Saint despite all the signs being that a deal is all but completed.
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Why Aaron Ramsdale is not a Southampton player yet
That agreed deal is a permanent one, with the initial £18 million fee potentially rising to £25 million due to add-ons.
Ramsdale signing for Southampton is a real coup and supporters will be desperate to see the club get this one over the line.
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That should still happen, but the move hinges on one Arsenal factor.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal will not sign off on Ramsdale’s exit until they have signed a replacement.
The report states that ‘the expected arrival of Neto will allow Arsenal to sanction Ramsdale’s departure’, with the Gunners also considering a move for Wolves back-up Dan Bentley.
Given Bournemouth have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan there are not likely to be any issues with Neto’s move to North London, but Southampton fans are unlikely to relax until they see Ramsdale in a Saints shirt.
Ramsdale could make Southampton debut against Brentford
Whilst many will just hope a deal gets over the line before the 11pm deadline, all the paperwork will have to be submitted to the Premier League by midday if Ramsdale is to be involved against Brentford on Saturday.
Should this be accomplished then having Ramsdale in goal for the trip to the Bees would give Southampton a real boost as he represents a huge upgrade on Martin’s other options.
McCarthy’s struggles with his footwork have made it difficult for Southampton to play their possession game but Ramsdale should really help with that.
He also comes with real pedigree despite losing his Arsenal number one spot to David Raya last season and will bring a confidence to the Saints’ rearguard.