With West Ham United set for a busy summer transfer window, it is no surprise that they have started making early moves to land their targets.
The Hammers need reinforcement between the sticks, in the engine room, and up top. The club must be proactive in the transfer market to seal these signings.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham have held talks with Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale over a potential move to East London.
West Ham stalwart Lukasz Fabianski is one of four players expected to leave the club this summer, and the Irons need a replacement. Hence, the transfer interest in Ramsdale.
Southampton, relegated to the Championship, are open to selling Ramsdale for around £20 million as they look to trim their wage bill. He currently earns £100,000 a week.
The England international only joined Southampton last summer but is keen to return to the Premier League to boost his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Hammers boss Graham Potter is a big admirer of the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United stopper. The English tactician is looking to strengthen his goalkeeping options.
If the deal goes through, Ramsdale will compete with Alphonse Areola for the No.1 jersey, with the Frenchman enduring a poor season at the London Stadium.
West Ham should steer clear of Ramsdale – View
If his record of three Premier League relegations and three measly clean sheets this season cannot discourage West Ham from signing Ramsdale, what will?
Perhaps admitting to concentration issues should knock him off the shortlist. The ill-timed nature of the interview and his father’s interference is another topic of discussion.
Ramsdale should not be on the West Ham shortlist this summer when the market is rife with exciting, equally cheap options.
The Hammers have been linked with Freiburg ace Noah Atubolu, who looks more promising.
There is also interest in Burnley star James Trafford. These are much more exciting links than Ramsdale.