Arsenal set to submit third bid for Berd Leno replacement after agreeing personal terms
Arsenal make Aaron Ramsdale transfer stance with third bid incoming, although feeling of inevitability arises from Sheffield United asking price
Bernd Leno looks set to stay in north London this window despite the heightened speculation surrounding his future – he could still leave, nothing is set in stone – which means a solid backup option to cover him and poke in front of Arthur Okonkwo is an essential purchase.
Exactly that. This isn’t a department Arsenal can return to in six months or a year down the line. It has to be done this window. It also appears as if it has to be Ramsdale.
Although not for what Sheffield United are wanting, it would seem. It’s been reported that Arsenal will not meet the £30m asking price the Blades have set, but that’s since been added to by Sky Sports who report that the Gunners are preparing a third bid.
Two offers have been rejected already by the Yorkshire outfit with the latest and most recent one was believed to include an initial fee of £18m, which including add-ons would take the total amount to around £25m. The Blades want more up front.
So, they may not want to fork out £30m but they are keen on just £5m less. Of course, said add-ons may be appearances made for England while at Arsenal and winning the Champions League in the next five years which, obviously, Sheffield United won’t be particularly keen on.
Despite numerous outlets reporting an impasse in valuations from both sides, there is still an air of inevitability about this deal.
Arsenal have set their stall out to sign the best homegrown goalkeeper available to them who fits the desired age profile, and that’s Ramsdale. He is the best option of the uninspiring few who meets the criteria, and being the number one target it’s hard to envisage this going anywhere else.
Even if the Gunners are apparently seeing some sense with the huge asking price and making a stance of not meeting the valuation, they’ll probably have to, right?
If the third offer is rejected as expected then this could end up being a late, and very expensive, pursuit.
