Southampton have signed England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent deal from Arsenal.
It is understood the fixed fee is £18m, potentially rising to £25m if performance-related add-ons are met. The Saints believe they have completed everything in time for him to play this weekend against Brentford but are still awaiting Premier League approval.
Discussing his move, former Bournemouth and Sheffield United ‘keeper Ramsdale told Southampton’s media channels: “I’m absolutely delighted. 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, 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.”
Meanwhile, Brazil international Neto has joined Arsenal from Bournemouth on a season-long loan.
The 35-year-old has made 63 appearances for the Cherries since joining them in August 2022 and was named club captain just six months later.
After signing for the Gunners, he said: “I’m realising a dream in my life, a dream come true, and I’m really, really happy.
“I had two dreams as a kid to play for a football team. It was my team in Brazil, where I grew up and became a professional footballer, and also Arsenal. And now I’m realising it! I’m a really lucky person.
“To all the supporters of Arsenal, I’d just like to say I’m one more fan here. My dream has come true, I’m really happy. Depend on me, I’ll give more than 100 per cent to give everything for Arsenal.”
Ramsdale – who was under contract with Arsenal until 2026 – lost his position as first-choice goalkeeper to David Raya last season, leading to speculation he would leave this summer.
The England goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for £30m in 2021, and made 89 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
Southampton manager Russell Martin said: “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.
“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.”
Southampton had looked to be signing Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow earlier this week, but decided to pull out of the deal at the medical stage on Tuesday.
Merson: Saints deal is great move for Ramsdale
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson:
“It’s a great move for him, Southampton are a Premier League team now. It’s hard for goalkeepers. There’s only one position, it’s hard to get in at somewhere so he’s going to go in and be playing in the Premier League, which is great. He’s a good goalkeeper.
“He’s a great lad. and I wish him all the best. He’s going to be busy, which sometimes you want as a goalkeeper. He will be busy at Southampton and who knows – he’ll be looking to take the No 1 spot at England.
“It’s a fresh start, a new manager for England and now he’s got an opportunity to play in the Premier League and then become England No 1.”