‘Imminent’ £11m Southampton transfer clears path for Wolves to sign wantaway Premier League star

Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window.Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window.
Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Wolverhampton Wanderers have a clearer path to sign an Arsenal star after news of an imminent Southampton deal.

Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is reportedly on the verge of joining Southampton on a season-long loan deal, ending the Saints’ pursuit of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.

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Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports Southampton are set to sign Bijlow - who has a current market value of £11 million as per Transfermarkt - on loan with an option to buy. Russell Martin’s side will be obliged to purchase the Dutchman permanently if he makes an undisclosed number of Premier League appearances.

Wolves will be boosted by the Bijlow news as it means they have less competition to sign Ramsdale. The Old Gold are understood to have held talks with Arsenal over the possibility of bringing the England international to Molineux.

It was reported last week by The Daily Mail that Southampton were set to challenge Wolves as they considered an approach for Ramsdale. That rumour is now dead in the water with Bijlow set to arrive through the doors at St Mary’s Stadium imminently.

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Recently a backup to Jordan Pickford at UEFA EURO 2024, Ramsdale has been out of sorts at Arsenal over the past season or so. David Raya, signed from Brentford for around £30 million, has been manager Mikel Arteta’s preference between the sticks.

Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window.Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window.
Aaron Ramsdale remains a target for Wolves before the end of the transfer window. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Ramsdale, who joined the Gunners from Sheffield United for £24 million in 2021, is keen to become a regular starter elsewhere. His first two seasons at the Emirates Stadium were a great success as he conceded just 82 goals in 72 Premier League matches. Last season was a disaster, though, as he featured just six times in the English top flight.

Wolves’ need for a new goalkeeper was clear as day in the humiliating 6-2 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend. Jose Sa, caught in no man’s land for Cole Palmer’s lob and beaten regularly at his near post, conceded half-a-dozen times despite the Blues only creating 1.65 expected goals.

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