Newcastle Agree Deal to Sign Former Arsenal Goalkeeper After Missing Out on Top Target

Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan for the forthcoming Premier League season, with the player now cleared to undergo a medical.

The Magpies have endured a challenging summer transfer window so far, having only completed the signing of Anthony Elanga, while missing out on key targets such as Hugo Ekitike and James Trafford.

Ekitike joined Liverpool in a £79 million deal, while Trafford — who had been on Newcastle’s radar for over a year — made a return to Manchester City in a transfer that could eventually be worth more than £31 million. His move forced Newcastle to seek alternative options to bolster their goalkeeping department.

The club have now moved swiftly, securing an agreement for Ramsdale to join on a season-long loan. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.

Ramsdale, 27, is set to reunite with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, under whom he previously worked during their time together at Bournemouth. The goalkeeper played for the Cherries from 2017 to 2020, before making a switch to Sheffield United.

In 2021, Ramsdale sealed a high-profile £30 million transfer to Arsenal and initially became their first-choice goalkeeper. However, he was soon displaced by David Raya, prompting a move to Southampton last summer. Despite his efforts, the Saints finished bottom of the Premier League and were relegated.

Ramsdale’s move to Southampton was reportedly for an initial £18 million, with his current contract running until 2028 — a factor that had made a permanent departure challenging.

Newcastle, however, appear to have negotiated a solution and Ramsdale is now expected to compete with Nick Pope for the No. 1 spot at St James’ Park.

The Magpies’ interest in Ramsdale intensified after their pursuit of Trafford faltered. The England international was believed to be keen on a move to Tyneside last summer and Newcastle had reopened talks with Burnley earlier in this window. A £27 million bid was submitted, but ultimately fell short.

When Trafford departed Manchester City two years ago, his contract reportedly included a ‘matching clause’, enabling City to reclaim him if they matched any offer from a rival club — a clause which was exercised to complete his return.

Ramsdale, who has recently fallen out of favour with the England national team, has now been granted permission to travel to Newcastle to undergo a medical and finalise the terms of his move.