Arsenal’s Ramsdale pursuit on verge of collapsing

The talks between Arsenal and Sheffield United about a proposed transfer of Aaron Ramsdale are close to collapsing, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners have been watching the 23-year-old closely for a long time, and he has been manager Mikel Arteta’s preferred option to come in and provide cover and competition for Bernd Leno. However, the negotiations between the clubs started with a big gap in valuation of his services, with Sheffield United using the £35 million mark as a starting point, while Arsenal were hopeful of completing the deal for half that amount.

Both sides apparently hoped a solution would be found, and they held a face-to-face meeting on Wednesday, but the Blades remained firm in their demand, even though Arsenal eventually offered to pay £20 million as a guaranteed part of the fee, with add-ons to come on top.

At Sheffield United, however, they don’t feel such a deal would represent a sufficient profit on Ramsdale, whom they signed from Bournemouth for just over £18m. The talks have reached an impasse, and Arsenal could now be forced to consider alternative targets.