After months of speculation, Southampton finally have their man and have signed Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in a deal worth up to £25 million, with the 26-year-old signing a four-year deal plus an option for a further year.
The North London club will receive an £18 million initial fee plus £1 million if the Saints avoid relegation. The deal has the potential to rise as there is the possibility of a further £6 million in add-ons, with this being linked to player performances.
This transfer comes just three days after Southampton opted against signing Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow due to complications with his medical, although Ramsdale always appeared to be first choice.
Complications with Arsenal's asking price made the deal look impossible financially for the Saints but, as expected, the Gunners lowered their asking price with the deadline fast approaching.
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His career so far...
Ramsdale began his career at Sheffield United, making his debut during a 6-0 FA Cup win over Leyton Orient in 2016.
Less than a year later, he was snapped up by Premier League side Bournemouth for £800,000, although enjoyed loan spells at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon before making his top-flight debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season.
The goalkeeper established himself as first-choice for the Cherries that season, even signing a long-term contract with the club and winning their Player of the Year.
However, despite his impressive performances, he was unable to help Bournemouth avoid relegation and he moved to newly-promoted Sheffield United the following season for £18.5 million - meaning he had the chanced to prove himself in the Premier League once again.
This is something he did, winning the club's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year award, but he couldn't stop the Blades from avoiding the drop - adding a second relegation to his CV.
This didn't stop Arsenal from realising his potential, however, and Ramsdale sealed a £24 million pound move to the future title-chasers in 2021.
Since then, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the 26-year-old as life at Arsenal started brilliantly and he consistently found himself as number one.
However, since the arrival of David Raya from Brentford last season, he has lost his starting spot and found minutes hard to come by - hence his move to Southampton.
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Goalkeeping conundrum solved... for now
It has been an area that has needed dealing with for quite some time now, particularly since Gavin Bazunu picked up that lengthy injury, but it now seems like it has been sorted.
Although Alex McCarthy is a handy back-up goalkeeper, starting the season with him as first choice was far from ideal. The 34-year-old, unfortunately, cannot play out from the back to the level that his manager expects of him, something that was proven on the opening day against Newcastle.
Joe Lumley, who will now be relegated to third choice, highlighted the lack of quality in this position again last night during Southampton's Carabao Cup win over Cardiff, with the 29-year-old costing his side a goal with an error, as well as not filling his defence with confidence throughout.
When Bazunu is back, perhaps there might be a bit of selection dilemma as, although Ramsdale has the proven quality, the young Irishman will want game time to develop his career further.
However, the goalkeeping conundrum appears to be solved for now, although another one will likely arrive in January when Bazunu returns.
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What is next for Southampton?
The priority position has been dealt with, but that doesn't mean the Saints are finished just yet.
Outgoings are still expected, with Armel Bella-Kotchap, Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana all still for sale, whilst a few incomings could still occur.
A winger is high up on the agenda and many names have been linked, including Tom Fellows, Filip Kostic and Maxwell Cornet, but there could also be a surprise coming through the door.
West Ham are willing to listen to offers for former Saints captain James Ward-Prowse, with rumours suggesting he would be open to a return to St Mary's.
£25 million is the reported fee, although Southampton may wish for an initial loan, with it yet to be seen whether the Hammers would accept this.
