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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has revealed a brutal comment from a staff member at Sheffield United convinced him to leave Bramall Lane last summer.
Ramsdale moved from United to Arsenal in a £30m transfer in August following the Blades’ relegation from the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has swiftly become the first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates and has been praised for a string of impressive performances this season.
Ramsdale has now opened up about his move from Sheffield to London, while speaking to Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster on his Fozcast podcast.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s approach to sign him after the Championship season had started, Ramsdale said: "I got told on the day of a game that a bid had come in, and I decided to play. Sheffield United knew that and then after the game, they rejected it.
"I won't name a name and I hope my agent doesn’t see this as I might get in trouble, but normally if you don’t get your move, you’re rewarded with a new contract.
“It’s not set in stone but that’s normal, you saw it at Brentford with Ollie Watkins when he didn't move.
"So we said that and someone at the club, I won’t name names, said: ‘We didn’t ask him to take less money when he was conceding goals at the start of last year.’
"That's when I basically went: ‘I won’t play against West Brom, do what you want.’
"I didn’t train for the first two days of the week, the Monday and Tuesday and the manager was like: ‘He’ll be alright, he’ll play.’
"Tuesday came and I was like: ‘No, I’m not playing.’ On the Wednesday I wasn’t in the squad and then 10 minutes before kick-off I was on my way down.
"I said to them [United] from the start you know I am going to try my best for the football club and if they don't put the money up then I'm here, I'm ready to do it, I've bought a house, I'm here.
"But then when you say one thing about a substantial bid coming in, and then turn it down, there’s got to be a middle ground. And when that comment got made…"
Arsenal’s transfer business was called into question following the signing of Ramsdale, who had previously suffered successive relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United.
However, the England international has emphatically answered his critics after replacing Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s No 1 goalkeeper.
Ramsdale has conceded just 16 goals in his 17 Premier League games this season, keeping nine clean sheets.
His form has helped thrust Arsenal into contention for Champions League football next season, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently fourth in the Premier League.
The Gunners were next due to face Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday.
However, the match has now been postponed until January 13 following a coronavirus outbreak in the Liverpool camp.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Sheffield United, Aaron Ramsdale, Football, Transfers, Premier League, EFL Championship
Rory O'Callaghan