Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone are on Arsenal’s radar (Image:.)
Arsenal are reportedly hatching a move for West Brom star Sam Johnstone in case their search for Aaron Ramsdale ends in failure this summer.
Mikel Arteta is intent on generating some serious competition for Bernd Leno as he looks to add quality to his Arsenal squad after a miserable campaign for the club at both national and European level.
Runar Alex Runarsson has failed to pass the grade after replacing Emiliano Martinez, who left to join Aston Villa last September, and the north London team have drawn up a short list of potential goalkeeping targets.
Ramsdale is understood to be at the top of Arsenal’s wish list at this position, but Sheffield United has no intention of capitalizing on their number one and the Gunners have been forced to look for alternatives in the market.
Arteta is on the hunt for a goalkeeper to offer some serious competition for Leno (Image:.)
According to The Daily Star, Baggies’ closer Johnstone, who is off international duty with his England teammate Ramsdale at Euro 2020, has been identified as a realistic option for Arsenal.
The report claims that West Brom would be willing to sell the 28-year-old for a fee of just £ 20 million before the 2021/22 campaign.
Johnstone began his professional career with Manchester United and was sent on ten separate loan periods before completing a permanent £ 6.5 million trade to the Hawthorns in 2018.
West Brom lost their fight for Premier League survival last season, but Johnstone was a mainstay among the sticks, starting all but one of the team’s 38 matches in the English top flight.
West Brom valued Johnstone at around £ 20 million (Image:.)
Speaking last week, Slavisa Jokanovic emphasized that Sheffield United has no intention of parting ways with key players Ramsdale and Serge Berge, who have also been linked to a move away from Bramall Lane.
Blades ‘new boss said:’ I never expect players to leave. I know there is talk of two and they are two of my best players. So, of course, I don’t want them to leave.
‘I am aware of the situation with one (Berge). I am aware of the possibilities that exist. But he, the Norwegian, also know the qualities he has and how good it can be for us next season.
So when I get a chance to meet him, to sit with him, I’ll try to get him to stay here with us. I will try to keep him for his qualities and his ability. which would be very good for us in the future.
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‘I have one of the best’ goalkeepers in England. So I want one of the best to be here with us. Once again, I will have the opportunity to speak with them and that is what I will say.
‘They are two of my best players, as I say, and that’s why I always want my best players to be here with me. I haven’t had a chance yet, but when I do, I’ll sit down with both of them and tell them what my feelings are. I’ll tell you the same thing I just told you.
Sheffield United has reportedly imposed a £ 25 million price tag on Ramsdale but is under no pressure to cash in on the 23-year-old as they prepare to fend off Arsenal’s advances.
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