Arsenal told to raise £32 million offer for Championship ‘keeper

Arsenal may have made several questionable transfer decisions in recent seasons, but few look stranger than the sale of Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa last summer. 

Since departing the capital, Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 38 games for the Villains, and saved two penalties in Argentina’s Copa America semi-final shoot-out victory over Colombia, on the way to winning the trophy.

Meanwhile, current Gunners number one Bernd Leno endured a frustrating season, making a number of individual errors as the club slumped to their worst domestic finish in 25 years.

Now, it appears that Mikel Arteta has run out of patience with the German, and is looking to the Championship for his replacement.

According to The Times, Arsenal have been told by Sheffield United to increase their offer for ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The 23-year-old was drafted into the England squad for Euro 2020 during the group stages after an injury to Dean Henderson forced him to return home.

Arsenal have already had a bid of £30 million rejected, and have now been told to offer in excess of £32 million by the Blades.

Ramsdale was drafted into England’s Euro 2020 squad but was not called upon by Gareth Southgate.

The Yorkshire club, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have put a premium on Ramsdale as he is homegrown.

The Englishman has been relegated twice in successive seasons, having been unable to avoid the drop with Bournemouth in 2019/20.

While Ramsdale would provide competition to Leno or act as a good replacement if he too was sold, fans have been quick to point out that Martinez could have acted as a perfect candidate to fill the role.

If a deal is agreed, Ramsdale would become the Gunners’ second summer signing after securing Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

A goalkeeper is one of the positions on Arteta’s wishlist, along with a centre-back, midfielder and striker.

Arteta is planning to rebuild the club’s squad around the likes of Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka.