Aaron Ramsdale DRESSES UP to announce transfer to Southampton from Arsenal as fans hail it as ‘absolutely class’
AARON RAMSDALE has officially joined Southampton in a permanent transfer from Arsenal.
The Saints have agreed to pay £18million plus a further £7m in potential add-ons.
And they announced his arrival with a hilarious social media post which involved the goalkeeper dressing up as Harry Potter character Hagrid with a full costume and wig.
Ramsdale wore a similar costume while supporting Southampton in the Championship play-off final in May.
Both Arsenal and Saints fans loved the announcement, with one person commenting: “No way this is absolutely class from our media team .”
While another wrote: “Southampton fans you’ve got an absolute gem here.”
Discussing his arrival at St Mary’s, Ramsdale said: “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.”
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The Saints reignited their interest in Ramsdale after their deal for Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow collapsed due to a failed medical.
Arsenal rejected a loan approach this month but the South Coast club returned with an initial offer of £18million, rising to £25m with add-ons.
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Ramsdale has been sought-after this summer, with Wolves also keeping tabs.
And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has a replacement lined up to be back-up to first-choice David Raya.
Espanyol’s No 1 Joan Garcia has been heavily linked with a switch.
Garcia was outstanding last season as Espanyol won promotion back to LaLiga.
However, the Spanish side want £25m which is understood to be more than what Arsenal are willing to pay.
The Gunners could also chase a home-grown stopper – to sit behind Raya and Garcia in their list of alternatives between the sticks.
It follows the departure on loan of Estonia ace Karl Hein to Spaniards Rayo Vallecano.
Arsenal academy product Arthur Okonkwo turned his loan move to Wrexham into a permanent move over the summer.
Wolves turned down an approach for 31-year-old Englishman Dan Bentley.
Wigan’s England Under-21 star Sam Tickle is the latest option under consideration.
And Bournemouth shot stopper Neto emerged as a target just 24 hours before the transfer deadline.
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Chelsea reportedly remain in talks to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with time running out for the Blues to complete a deal.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, according to reports.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are set to walk away from their long-running pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
In other news, Chelsea and Juventus remain in discussions over a deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho ahead of the 11pm deadline.
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