Arsenal are set to accelerate their pursuit of Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the coming days, and for good reason too.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Ramsdale all summer long but have, as yet, failed to meet United’s asking-price.
However, Arsenal are said to be determined in their pursuit of the United stopper and are now preparing a third bid. Football.London claim that although it might not reach the £30m the Blades are looking for, there is a reason Arsenal are now hitting the accelerator.
The Blades’ Carabao Cup campaign is due to start next week. Arsenal are said to be concerned about Ramsdale playing for United and ensuring he is cup-tied. And with no European football for Arsenal, rotation of their goalkeepers in the cups is going to be vital for them.
Time is ticking
Ramsdale will start for United tonight against Birmingham City. There is no doubt about that, unless something drastic happens in the next few hours.
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This latest development is an interesting one for the Blades. It almost puts the ball in Arsenal’s court, and will essentially force them to make their move.
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Of course, Slavisa Jokanovic might go with Wes Foderingham or Michael Verrips against Carlisle. But he also might just stick with continuity, and use it as a way of getting ‘Rambo’ some more minutes in the tank.
Arsenal’s issue here remains the fee. They seem unwilling to pay £30m+ for Ramsdale, and while ever United demand that figure, not much will change.
There were suggestions in midweek that Ramsdale could look to hand in a transfer request to force a move. However, the United stopper hasn’t looked like doing such a thing as yet.
This weekend and the coming days that follow could well be crucial, then.