Arsenal submit £17m transfer offer with Aaron Ramsdale set to join Southampton

Arsenal have reportedly submitted a £17million offer for goalkeeper Joan Garcia just hours after accepting a deal from Southampton for Aaron Ramsdale.

There’s been a goalkeeper merry-go-round at the Emirates Stadium in recent years, with both Emiliano Martinez and Bernd Leno having left the club since Mikel Arteta took over.

But now, one of the shot-stoppers brought into replace the departed duo, Ramsdale, is also on the verge of leaving.

The English international, who joined the Gunners in the summer of 2021, has seen an offer from Premier League Southampton accepted.

It comes after the north Londoners sanctioned a move for David Raya last summer, with the Spanish international pretty much immediately ushered in as Arteta’s No.1 pick.

As a result, Ramsdale spent the majority of the 2023/24 season on the bench – something he’s keen to change this summer.

While a step down in terms of prestige, Ramsdale will at least be guaranteed game time at the relegation-threatened Southampton, something which could be key in him keeping his spot in the England squad.

It’s claimed Arsenal could bank as much as £24million (add-ons included) for Ramsdale, with the Premier League runners-up expected to reinvest those funds straight away.

That’s because according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are preparing a move for Espanyol man Garcia.

The 23-year-old is already believed to have agreed terms with Arsenal, meaning the only sticking point in a deal is the proposed fee.

Arsenal, according to Romano, have offered £17m for the Spaniard, but that’s significantly lower than the £25m release clause inserted into Garcia’s contract.

However, Garcia, who was part of the Spain side that won gold at the 2024 Olympic Games, is under contract at Espanyol until 2028.

That could present a problem for Arsenal, as Espanyol are in no major rush to sell.

Manager Manolo Gonzalez spoke about the transfer speculation following Espanyol’s goalless draw against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, telling Marca: “I can’t do anything.

“If they pay the clause, we can’t do anything. I’m very happy that he’s here and that he’s from the club.

“I don’t think he’ll leave, but I can’t know. It’s a luxury to have a player like him. I say it every week, I don’t think he’ll leave.”

He continued: “If I eat it, I’ll eat it, but it’s difficult for someone to pay a 30 million clause. If someone wants him, they should pay the clause. I can’t say any more.”

Arsenal play in-form Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.