West Ham United are now considering a move for Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Aaron Ramsdale is looking to leave Southampton following their relegation to the Championship and West Ham are showing interest in a number of goalkeepers right now.
After a frustrating season, the Hammers are looking to back Graham Potter’s plans, and that includes recruiting a new shot-stopper.
West Ham have already announced that Lukasz Fabianski will be leaving at the end of his contract this summer, meaning they need further competition for Alphonse Areola.
And just one year after leaving Arsenal, Ramsdale is now looking for another club, a goalkeeper with plans to stay in the Premier League.
West Ham are discussing a move for Aaron Ramsdale
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that West Ham might end up boosting Ramsdale’s England hopes this summer.
The Hammers are interested in signing Ramsdale and the goalkeeper is still hoping to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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In order to fulfil that ambition, Ramsdale sees staying in the Premier League as crucial, explaining why a move to West Ham might appeal.
However, Potter’s side aren’t the only team showing interest in the former Arsenal number one.
Newcastle United, Leeds United and Bournemouth are all interested in the England international, who previously played at the Vitality Stadium.
In terms of his price, Southampton paid £25m to sign Ramsdale from Arsenal last summer and the Saints will at least want their money back.
Ramsdale made 30 Premier League appearances for Southampton this season, and despite conceding 66 goals, the shot-stopper did impress in a struggling team.
Declan Rice has been impressed by Aaron Ramsdale
Of course, when it comes to further recommendation, West Ham’s former captain Declan Rice has often praised Ramsdale in the past.
The two played together at Arsenal for a season, and whilst Ramsdale lost his starting spot to David Raya shortly after Rice joined, he still spoke glowingly about his compatriot.
When Ramsdale left Arsenal, Rice posted on social media saying: “Been a pleasure brother all the best mate.”
And after a rare start and clean sheet for Arsenal against Brentford last season, when Raya was cup tied, Rice sent another message to Ramsdale on Instagram: “kept us in it brother we stick together.”
Pep Guardiola has praised Ramsdale too, a keeper who clearly has what it takes to play for a top club, even if Mikel Arteta decided to replace him at Arsenal.