Aaron Ramsdale set for second transfer less than 12 months after Arsenal exit

Aaron Ramsdale only signed for Southampton nine months ago but the former Arsenal goalkeeper is expected to quit St Mary’s after the club went down to the Championship

Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Southampton after just one season following the club’s relegation to the Championship. Ramsdale, 26, only joined the Saints as part of an £18million transfer deal, potentially rising to £25m, in August 2024.

But his time at St Mary’s could be up after less than a year amid links with Manchester United and West Ham. That’s because Southampton are eyeing a move for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson as a replacement for Ramsdale, who’s keen to stay in the Premier League.

Patterson, who’s also being looked at by Tottenham and Burnley, could be the subject of a bid if Sunderland don’t win the Championship play-offs. According to the Sun, manager-less Southampton chiefs are keen on the 24-year-old, who was born in North Shields.

The Saints are also making checks on Angers shot-stopper Yahia Fofana. The Ivory Coast international will reportedly be available for around £10million.

Their search for a goalkeeper points towards Ramsdale leaving Southampton after the third relegation of his career. The former Arsenal star suffered the same fate without Bournemouth in 2020 before going down the following year with Sheffield United.

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That didn’t stop Mikel Arteta from making a move and he was installed as Arsenal’s No.1 for two seasons until David Raya’s arrival spelled the end. After spending most of last season on the bench, Ramsdale decided to leave north London.

But his dream of rediscovering his form down at Southampton and challenging Jordan Pickford to be England No.1’s never became a reality. After the Saints’ early relegation was confirmed last month, Ramsdale send an emotional message to supporters.

“A very hard day & tough one to take,” he posted on Instagram. “This is a special club with amazing fans – we are sorry that it has ended like this. You deserve better.

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“This club has come back from adversity on many occasions and this time will be no different. Still a lot of football to be played and we will keep trying to salvage positives from what has been an extremely difficult season. Thank you for sticking with us.”

Southampton need one point from their last three games to avoid finishing level with the lowest points tally in Premier League history. The Saints have only mustered 11 after 35 games, equal to infamous record set by Derby County in the 2008-09 season.

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