Arteta explains why Arsenal fans will 'love' Ramsdale

As Arsenal close in on a deal for the Sheffield United goalkeeper, Mikel Arteta has told fans what to expect from his latest recruit.

Mikel Arteta has predicted that Arsenal fans will ‘love’ Aaron Ramsdale for his personality, character, ability, and ‘huge’ potential.

Ramsdale has emerged as Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeping target for this summer. He is expected to provide competition for Bernd Leno and to potentially succeed the German as Arsenal’s No.1 keeper.

The 23-year-old’s absence from Sheffield United’s 4-0 defeat to West Brom in the Championship on Wednesday has all but confirmed a move worth around £30 million to Arsenal is imminent.

“I think they’re [Arsenal fans] going to love his personality, his character, the quality that he has as a goalkeeper, and what he’s going to offer,” said Arteta as quoted by Football London.

“He has a huge, huge potential. It’s what we want, it’s always been the case at this club, we will have two different profiles and two different stages in their career. Aaron is a talented young keeper with huge experience and has international experience for England.

“He will bring competition and that’s what we want to create – healthy competition, quality competition in every position. We identified Aaron as the ideal option.”

Could Ramsdale face Chelsea this weekend?

While fellow new signing Martin Odegaard won’t be available to face Chelsea, Ramsdale could make Arteta’s squad.

As previously mentioned, the England international missed Sheffield United’s last game on Wednesday. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his move to Arsenal.

“There is still some paperwork getting done,” explained Arteta. “He had his medical as well mostly done. There are still some things to sort with Sheffield [United].”

Should all go to plan, Arsenal could confirm Ramsdale on Friday and should, therefore, be able to register the goalkeeper in time for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea at the Emirates.