Southampton confirm signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal

Southampton have announced the signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Premier League giants Arsenal. 

Saints had been in the market for another goalkeeper to replace Alex McCarthy and have pulled off a coup to secure Ramsdale's services. 

"Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm it has completed the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal," a statement read on Southampton's official website. 

"The sought-after 26-year-old England international has moved to St Mary’s on a four-year contract, further strengthening the options in Russell Martin’s squad ahead of the summer transfer window closing. 

"Ramsdale, who has been capped five times at senior level for his country, joins Saints after making 89 appearances for Arsenal over the past three seasons." 

On the signing of Ramsdale, head coach 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. 

"I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on. Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality. Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron."