Aaron Ramsdale offered Arsenal escape route as Premier League side 'line up' shock transfer

Aaron Ramsdale has been offered an Arsenal escape route amid reports a Premier League rival is lining up a bid for the shot-stopper.

According to the Sun, Premier League new boys Southampton are weighing up a move for Ramsdale, who is currently Jordan Pickford’s understudy in the England squad.

The Saints allegedly want a top-level, experienced goalkeeper upon returning to the Premier League, and are prepared to step up their interest in the Arsenal star.

As per the report, Ramsdale wants to play first-team football after losing his No.1 spot to David Raya, despite Arsenal being allegedly keen to keep the player as backup.

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Ramsdale was reportedly in the Southampton end for the Championship Play-Off final at Wembley, with the keeper supporting his former Bournemouth team-mate David Brooks, who was on loan at the Saints last term.

However, Ramsdale would fetch a high transfer fee, with the Gunners preferring a permanent deal worth close to the £30million they agreed to pay Sheffield United for his services in 2021.

Mikel Arteta has already claimed that the club have concerns about complying with financial regulations, which could restrict their transfer activity this summer. In turn, a cash deal for Ramsdale could prove useful.

Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Southampton (Getty)
Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Southampton (Getty)

However, should no club be willing to match their asking price for the 26-year-old, they could allegedly let him go out on loan in the hope his performances could generate a big fee in future. Southampton are likely to favour a loan.

Newcastle were previously linked with Ramsdale, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League and FFP pressures mean they have other priorities.

Arsenal have been linked with Wolves’ Dan Bentley and Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as replacements for Ramsdale.

Ramsdale will be on the bench this evening as England looks to claim their first major trophy since 1966 when they take on Spain in Berlin.