Arsenal hold fresh talks with Sheffield United over Aaron Ramsdale

Arsenal and Sheffield United have held fresh talks over a deal for Aaron Ramsdale.

England stopper Ramsdale has emerged as Arsenal’s No 1 goalkeeper target this summer and the two clubs met on Wednesday for more discussions.

Talks are considered to be at an early stage with the two clubs understood to still be some way apart on their valuations for the 23-year-old.

Arsenal are in talks to sign England and Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (left)

Ramsdale played against Birmingham in the league last weekend but not in Carabao Cup

Sheffield United want a fee in the region of £30m for Ramsdale who they signed from Bournemouth last summer for an initial £18.5m.

Arsenal are keen to keep their initial outlay down to fee in the region of £20m with add-ons pushing the deal closer to the Blades’ price tag.

Bernd Leno is Arsenal’s current No 1 after getting the nod over Emiliano Martinez last summer before the latter was sold to Aston Villa for £20m.

Leno has two years left on his current Arsenal deal and the Gunners have targeted Ramsdale as they look for a long-term replacement. 

Sheffield United initially refused to consider anything less than £30million for Ramsdale

Arteta missed out on signing Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, who moved to Lyon instead

Arteta has made signing a new goalkeeper a top priority and were dealt a blow when Ajax stopper Andre Onana moved to Lyon ahead of north London for just £6.8m. 

Arsenal were said to be considering a double-transfer from the Blades, buying both Ramsdale and midfielder Sander Berge, but it appears Arteta is focused solely on the England goalkeeper for now. 

Arsenal’s interest in the availability of France and Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso may also be a contributing factor in Arteta’s cooling off regarding Berge.