Aaron Ramsdale has sent Mikel Arteta one clear message ahead of imminent Arsenal exit

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Arsenal are set to confirm the departure of Aaron Ramsdale imminently, with the goalkeeper leaving on a permanent deal.

Ramsdale was Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for two seasons, during which time he became an England International and was included in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, the 26-year-old lost his spot when David Raya joined last year, and in the few appearances he made since, it was clear that he lost his confidence.

The goalkeeper clearly needed to move, and Arsenal have now agreed a deal to sell him to promoted Premier League side Southampton for £18m, with £7m in addons.

Ramsdale’s motivation to leave Arsenal has now been made clear, and he wants to try and prove that he still has the quality which made him such a popular figure in his early days under Mikel Arteta.

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Aaron Ramsdale eyes up England spot after leaving Arsenal

Southampton manager Russell Martin has all but confirmed that Ramsdale will join his club, and has revealed that the goalkeeper is motivated to become England’s number-one goalkeeper.

“Ramsdale wants to become England number one, and he wants to be here,” Martin stated in a press conference.

“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.”

Why Aaron Ramsdale had to leave Arsenal

Ramsdale signed a new contract last summer, but found himself on the bench for the season. Arsenal could not keep a high earner out of the starting XI, and Ramsdale himself needs to play regularly.

The England International has been omitted from the latest squad for the International break, with Dean Henderson and Nick Pope preferred as they are playing regular club football.

Despite his popularity at the club, Arsenal did upgrade on Ramsdale with Raya, and he is too good to be a second-choice option. He will now hope he can find his best form at Southampton and win his spot in the England squad back.