Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has said he doesn't think Arsenal will spend £30m on Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer, in the Highbury Squad Podcast.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of much interest this summer, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers all previously reported to be monitoring him.

However, a domestic move for Ramsdale has been impossible up until the last couple of weeks after linking up with the England squad as they reached the final of the European Championships.

 

 

Although the Blades keeper was initially left out of Gareth Southgate's 26-man contingent after being included in the Three Lions' provisional squad, a hip issue sustained by Dean Henderson after their opening group game against Croatia forced the Manchester United stopper to withdraw, opening the door for the 23-year-old to join.

But after enduring a long international tournament, there is set to be no respite for Ramsdale who could return to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal considering a third bid for him.

Despite this interest, he has reportedly reiterated his desire to remain with Sheffield United even after their relegation - and is set to feature heavily under new boss Slavisa Jokanovic in the Championship.

Former Gunners forward and pundit Kevin Campbell believes this deal is unlikely to go through for another reason though and in the Highbury Squad Podcast, said: "I can’t see Arsenal paying £30 million for a back-up goalkeeper.

"Not in a month of Sunday’s. No chance.

"You can pay £30 million for a goalkeeper. But £30 million is a bit too heavy. I don’t think we are going for Ramsdale. I don’t honestly think that.

"What makes me say this is that there are better keepers out there that are cheaper.

"I don’t think it’s real. I don’t think Arsenal will spend £30 million on him. Listen, I might be wrong."

The Verdict:

There's no doubt Arsenal need to bring in a permanent goalkeeper to not only act as a potential replacement for Bernd Leno in the event of injuries or suspensions, but also to actively compete with him and someone of Aaron Ramsdale's quality would be able to do just that.

£30 million is a lot to spend on a goalkeeper who isn't guaranteed to start - but they made a huge mistake in letting Emiliano Martinez go.

And with Mikel Arteta's side now on the hunt for a replacement for him after bringing in Mat Ryan temporarily last term, it could turn out to be a very costly error with a bid of £25m for Ramsdale is being considered.

Because of this need to replace Martinez, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sheffield United and Arsenal agree a deal for the 23-year-old, even if it is somewhere in the region of £30m.

After that, it will then be down to the goalkeeper to determine whether he wants to stay or return to the top flight.