Why Aaron Ramsdale is quitting Arsenal for Southampton in £25m transfer

Aaron Ramsdale's decision to quit Arsenal and join Southampton is motivated by his desire to be England's No 1.

The goalkeeper spent the majority of last season sat on the bench after he was dislodged by David Raya. The Arsenal back-up, who had previously been first choice, was somewhat blindsided by the decision to bring Raya in and was forced to watch on for much of the campaign.

Despite Mikel Arteta's desire to retain Ramsdale it has become clear that the Englishman would want to move on and Southampton look to be his destination with the Saints close to securing a £25million deal.

Ramsdale managed to remain in the England squad for the Euros, but couldn't stake his claim for the No 1 berth, which belongs to Jordan Pickford. If the 26-year-old wants to become first choice under the new regime he'll need to be playing regularly with Russell Martin detailing that as a key reason behind the imminent move.

The Saints boss said: "I hope it all gets completed. I've learned that nothing is done until it's done. Ramsdale wants to become England number one, and he wants to be here. Five weeks ago I'd have said it was crazy, even a week ago it was not achievable. We have pestered him, he's seen how we have played and wants to show everyone how good he is.

“Some of the players might be surprised he's coming so I think it will give all a lift. There will be one guy who's not happy about it and that's Alex McCarthy. Without Alex, we're not in the Premier League. I will be forever grateful. I have no doubt Alex will be a brilliant teammate."

Ramsdale will dislodge McCarthy, who was the Southampton No 1 during their promotion from the Championship via the play-offs. The goalkeeper did make a major mistake on the opening day, which led to the Saints' narrow defeat up at Newcastle.

The former Arsenal No 1 made it clear during the Euros, where he failed to play a game, that he had no plans to spend another season on the bench. "No footballer wants to not play. I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again," he said.

Southampton, who have lost both their games on their return to the top flight, have bolstered their ranks by landing the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor and veteran Adam Lallana, who returns to the club where he first made his name.