Aaron Ramsdale gives first interview after transfer from Arsenal | OneFootball

Aaron Ramsdale has spoken for the first time as a Southampton player after completing his move from Arsenal for an initial fee of £18 million.

The transfer includes a series of potential add-ons that could see the Gunners earn an additional £7 million, as well as a sell-on clause, ensuring that Arsenal stand to benefit from Ramsdale’s future success.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who had fallen out of favour at Arsenal over the last 12 months, expressed his excitement about joining Southampton and starting a new chapter in his career.

Speaking to Southampton’s official website, Ramsdale said, “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.

“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.”

Arsenal’s English goalkeeper #01 Aaron Ramsdale warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 24, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

The move to Southampton marks a significant moment for Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 for a fee of £24 million, potentially rising to £30 million with add-ons.

Although it is unclear how many of those add-ons were activated, Arsenal’s ability to recoup most of their investment, given Ramsdale’s recent absence from the starting lineup, is being viewed as prudent business by the club.

The deal with Southampton provides Arsenal with several avenues to earn additional revenue.

According to David Ornstein, Arsenal could receive up to £7 million in add-ons, including a £1 million bonus if Southampton retains their Premier League status.

Furthermore, there are £6 million in additional incentives tied to Ramsdale’s appearances and performances.

Kaya Kaynak of Football.London reports that Arsenal have also secured a sell-on clause in Ramsdale’s contract, ensuring they will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee should Ramsdale be sold again.

Ramsdale’s departure from Arsenal has been met with mixed emotions from fans, especially considering his heartfelt farewell message on Instagram, where he expressed his gratitude and affection for the club and its supporters.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates having won the penalty shoot out ahead of a dejected Rodri of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

He wrote, “To my Arsenal family, from the moment I arrived, I felt like one of you. All I ever wanted to do was give my all and try to get the club back to where it belongs. The connection that we had will stay with me forever.

“This is a special football club that has come a long way in a short space of time and it has been a privilege to share so many great moments with you.

“I look forward to returning soon, seeing some familiar faces and reminiscing on good times!

“Thank you to all of my teammates for going to battle with me; we certainly gave it a good go and had some fun. Finally, and most of all, thank you to the Gunners for always being behind me! I will love you forever. See you soon. Rambo.”

Southampton manager Russell Martin also expressed his delight at securing Ramsdale’s signature, calling it a “real statement signing” for the club. Martin highlighted Ramsdale’s talent, experience, and character as key attributes that will benefit Southampton both on and off the pitch.

“I’m delighted. Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him,” Martin said. “Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.

“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on. Alex McCarthy has been huge for us and was such a big part of getting us back to the Premier League, and Joe Lumley is another player with great experience and quality. Gavin Bazunu has a tremendous future too, but with his injury and Mateusz Lis moving to Göztepe, it was important we added another player and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Aaron.”

While the club will miss Ramsdale’s presence, particularly given his contribution during his earlier tenure, the structured deal with Southampton ensures that Arsenal will continue to benefit from Ramsdale’s career in the coming years.