Two reasons Aaron Ramsdale chose to leave Arsenal for Southampton revealed by goalkeeper

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have now confirmed the sale of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton, with the goalkeeper departing after three years at the club.

Ramsdale was a popular figure at the club, but lost his starting spot after the arrival of David Raya last year, and when brought back into the side for one-off games, his confidence looked a lot lower.

It was clear that Ramsdale needed to depart to play regularly, and Arsenal agreed to sell him to Southampton for an initial £18m.

This will see the 26-year-old return to the South Coast, having previously enjoyed a spell at AFC Bournemouth, and he will be Southampton’s first-choice goalkeeper under Russell Martin.

Martin has already explained that Ramsdale’s ambition is to become England’s first-choice goalkeeper, and Ramsdale has now revealed the other factors which led to his Arsenal exit.

• READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

Aaron Ramsdale explains why he chose to leave Arsenal for Southampton

Speaking to Southampton club media after his arrival, Ramsdale explained that returning to the South Coast, and playing under Martin, were big factors in his decision.

“I’m absolutely delighted. The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want,” he stated.

“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.

“I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”

Southampton is a good move for Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton needed to upgrade on goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, and Ramsdale is the perfect fit. If he can help them avoid relegation, he can settle at the club as their undisputed number one.

Ramsdale will be a key figure in the Southampton dressing room given his experience, and has signed a long-term contract, with it clear that if they can stay in the Premier League, he will have a starting role for the foreseeable future.

The Englishman will hope that regular football at Southampton can help him earn back a spot in the England team, and if he performs well, he stands a good chance of eventually taking the number one role.