Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ attempt to sign Aaron Ramsdale has been shelved after the team refused to pay Arsenal’s asking price for the goalkeeper.
However, since Justin Bijlow’s transfer from Feyenoord fell through at the last minute, Southampton rekindled their interest in him, thus he may yet leave North London.
With David Raya taking over as the team’s number one, the England international is anticipated to depart the Emirates this summer. However, with the transfer window closing in a few days, there isn’t much time left for him to find a new team.
Furthermore, according to BBC Sport, Wolves withdrew from the competition to sign the 26-year-old after putting in a loan bid last week that contained a buyout option worth about £20 million.
That offer was, as expected, rejected by Arsenal and while the two clubs remained in talks over a deal, Gary O’Neil’s side have now concluded that the transfer is too expensive.
Though they have raised over £100m this summer through the sales of Pedro Neto to Chelsea and Max Kilman to West Ham, they have their hands tied financially.
But Wolves’ loss may be Southampton’s gain, with Sky Sports reporting that they are considering making a fresh offer for Ramsdale as they re-enter the market for a new goalkeeper.
The Saints were all set to sign Dutch international Bijlow but that transfer is now off after a problem was detected in his medical.
The keeper himself confirmed the news on Instagram saying: ‘Dear Feyenoorders, I was on my way to the Premier League.
‘After a very special day last Sunday, for which I am very grateful, I was preparing for departure from Feyenoord. I didn’t find that easy and it wasn’t my first choice, but it had to be for the sake of my career.
‘The medical examination has shown that Southampton has a different vision than Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury.
‘I’m fully fit and this doesn’t bother me, but I respect the vision of Southampton medical staff. This is why I return to Rotterdam, to my club Feyenoord.
Ramsdale has long been on Southampton’s radar and like Wolves and Ajax they had a loan offer rejected earlier this summer.
Though Arsenal are willing to loan out their player, the value of the obligation or option to buy is proving a sticking point, while they have already agreed personal terms with Ramsdale’s replacement.
More to follow…