ARSENAL have reportedly been told that they must cough up £32million for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners were previously linked with West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone but are now believed to have made Ramsdale their top target.
The Blades have reportedly rejected two previous offers from the Premier League club for the England Euro 2020 squad member.
Now The Times claims they have informed Arsenal that they will only sell for at least £32m.
Ramsdale moved to Sheff Utd from Bournemouth on a four-year contract 12 months ago in a £18.5m deal.
The 23-year-old stopper has suffered relegation twice in each of the last two seasons with the Cherries and Blades.
During that period he has conceded 125 Premier League goals and kept just ten clean sheets.
However, the South Yorkshire club are demanding almost double the fee they paid for him due to him being a homegrown player.
Arsenal want Ramsdale as they believe No1 Bernd Leno could leave due to him entering the final two years of his Emirates deal.
And even if he does stay, Mikel Arteta is expecting Ramsdale to compete to be first-choice.
The star, although still awaiting his first cap, was England’s third-choice goalkeeper for Euro 2020 after Dean Henderson withdrew through injury.
Arsenal have already secured the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht this week.
The 21-year-old Belgian arrived at the Emirates in a £17million deal.
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
As well as bringing Lokonga into the heart of midfield, Arteta has strengthened elsewhere already.
Nuno Tavares arrived earlier this month from Benfica for £8m and the left-back, understudy to Kieran Tierney, marked his debut for the club with a goal in the 2-2 friendly draw with Rangers on Saturday.
As revealed by SunSport, the Gunners have also agreed a £50m deal to sign England defender Ben White from Brighton.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
Dream Team 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
- £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk