West Ham United Lead the Way for Southampton Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
West Ham United are in pole position to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to sources. The Hammers are keen to bolster their squad ahead of the new season and view Ramsdale as a long-term replacement for Alphonse Areola, who has struggled with inconsistent form and injuries.
Ramsdale, 26, has a relegation release clause in his contract worth £25million, making him an attractive target for Premier League clubs. The England international joined Southampton from Arsenal for £25million last summer, but will leave following the club’s relegation to the Championship. Graham Potter, the new West Ham manager, is keen to strengthen his squad and has identified Ramsdale as a top target. "Potter is very keen to bolster West Ham’s squad after a challenging season and views Ramsdale as a long-term replacement for Alphonse Areola," TEAMtalk sources have revealed.
The Hammers are preparing a £20million bid for Ramsdale, although they may need to meet the full release clause to secure the deal. Ramsdale’s Premier League experience, with 180 appearances and 40 clean sheets across spells at Arsenal, Bournemouth, Sheffield United, and Southampton, makes him a prime candidate for West Ham’s ambitions to stabilise and push for European qualification. As TEAMtalk previously reported, Ramsdale’s desire to remain in the top flight to maintain his England squad prospects aligns with West Ham’s interest.
However, West Ham are not the only club interested in Ramsdale. Leeds United, fresh from promotion to the Premier League, are also in the race for the goalkeeper, seeking a new number one after dropping Illan Meslier due to recent errors. Newcastle and Bournemouth are also keeping tabs on Ramsdale’s situation. According to TEAMtalk sources, Ramsdale has a "number of opportunities" and will be keen on a move to West Ham.
Ramsdale’s preference for regular first-team football could give Leeds an edge if they can guarantee minutes, but West Ham’s established Premier League status and Potter’s vision may prove decisive. With Southampton already eyeing replacements like Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, Ramsdale’s exit is set to happen and it will be up to each club to convince him they should be his next home. As TEAMtalk understands, Ramsdale would be keen on the move to West Ham.
In addition to their interest in Ramsdale, West Ham are also eyeing other targets. The club is among the Premier League sides interested in signing Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom in the summer. The Cameroonian has been described as the next Yaya Toure, putting some big clubs on notice. Elsewhere, West Ham could lose some important players, with London rivals Tottenham moving to snatch star man Jarrod Bowen from them. Liverpool are also said to be keen on both Bowen and team-mate Mohammed Kudus. TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that West Ham are working hard to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
TEAMtalk understands that West Ham’s interest in Ramsdale is part of a broader strategy to improve their squad. The club has been linked with several top targets in recent weeks, and it remains to be seen which players will ultimately join the Hammers. One thing is certain, however: West Ham are pushing hard to sign Ramsdale and will stop at nothing to secure his signature.
