Arsenal set conditions for Ramsdale loan after rejecting multiple transfer bids

Arsenal are keen to negotiate an obligation to buy in any potential loan deal for Aaron Ramsdale in the final stretch of the summer transfer window.  The Gunners won't stand in the England international goalkeeper's way if he wishes to pursue regular playing time but any move must make financial sense for both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu as they would also be tasked with finding a suitable replacement before the August 30 deadline.  Espanyol's Joan Garcia is understood to be a leading target, though he has a £25.4million release clause written into his current contract in Catalonia and would not come cheap. Personal terms with Garcia are unlikely to prove an issue, if Arsenal decided to press the button on a transfer. Southampton had been in talks with the Gunners over a loan swoop for Ramsdale, who watched their Championship play-off triumph over Leeds at Wembley Stadium in May, and were exploring the inclusion of an obligation to buy clause that would automatically be triggered if they secured Premier League safety but they have now struck a deal with Feyenoord for Justin Bijlow.

Arsenal could yet accept an option to buy provided they receive a notable loan fee and additionally, potential buyers also cover a large percentage of Ramsdale's £120,000-a-week salary.  Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for an initial £24m in August 2021 and the north London club are therefore keen to recoup the bulk of that figure when agreeing to any sale.  Ajax and Wolves have both already failed with proposals while Bournemouth have also shown an interest in bringing the 26-year-old back to the Vitality Stadium.  Arsenal remain cautious that Ramsdale's stock is on the decline as he has been second in command to David Raya ever since the Spaniard claimed the No.1 shirt at the beginning of last season.

He was also an unused substitute in each of Arsenal's two friendly victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon earlier this monthSpeaking to talkSPORT ahead of the European Championships, Ramsdale confessed he had no interest in sitting out another season on the bench. He said: “No footballer wants to not play, I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again. It was tough, it was tough.

“But I have my release now, I’m now here, I’ve got the greatest honour, the greatest badge on my chest, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if I play a minute or no minutes, it will be the pinnacle for me, the best day ever.”