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Paul Merson gives his verdict on Aaron Ramsdale’s move from Arsenal to Southampton

Aaron Ramsdale is finally set to depart Arsenal after a deal was struck with newly-promoted Southampton.

Mikel Arteta made the ruthless decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya last season and his choice has already been justified by the Spaniard’s impressive performances this season.

With David Raya joining Arsenal in a permanent £27m deal this summer, Ramsdale’s chances of first-team minutes continued to shrink.

Ramsdale was urged to leave Arsenal this summer after losing his first-team spot and he has now agreed terms over a move.

Ramsdale is set to join Southampton with a medical taking place on Thursday ahead of a £25m deal being finalised.

Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Ajax had all shown an interest in Ramsdale over the summer but the 26-year-old is set to move to St Mary’s where he is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper.

Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Paul Merson shares verdict on Aaron Ramsdale deal

After holding talks with several clubs, Ramsdale is set to join the Saints and former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes it is a “great” move for the goalkeeper.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said “100 percent it’s a great move for him, Southampton are a Premier League team now.

“It’s hard for goalkeepers because it’s only one position so it’s hard to get in somewhere.

“So he’s going to go in and he’s going to be playing in the Premier League which is great, he’s a good goalkeeper, a great lad and I wish him all the best.

“He’s going to be busy. Which sometimes you want that as a goalkeeper, but he will be busy at Southampton.

“He’ll be looking to take the number one spot at England.

“It’s a fresh start with a new manager at England and now he’s got an opportunity to play in the Premier League and become England number one.”

Aaron Ramsdale can chase down England No.1

Ramsdale was already closing in on becoming England’s number one after impressing after his Arsenal move.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano makes claim about Edu after the sales which Arsenal have made this summer

But Raya’s emergence dented his chances and it was paramount that he secured a move away this summer.

A move to Southampton will give Ramsdale the chance to impress once again and with Lee Carsley now in charge, Ramsdale has a shot at beating Jordan Pickford to the number one shirt.