Arsenal need to stand firm in the valuation of one of their unwanted players this summer to prove that they can sell effectively.
Arsenal must demonstrate in the upcoming summer transfer window that they can extract top value from their outgoing players.
This summer is likely to see plenty of departures from the Emirates Stadium. Thirteen players could leave Arsenal in the next transfer window. There are some big names on this list, including Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney, and Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal are already aware that Ramsdale is almost certain to leave at the end of this season. At this stage in his career, the goalkeeper needs to be playing regularly, and he clearly isn’t in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The 25-year-old has spent the vast majority of this season the bench, as David Raya has established himself as the Gunners’ new No. 1 since his arrival in North London on a season-long loan deal in the most recent summer transfer window.
Arsenal must stick to Aaron Ramsdale price tag amid Wolves interest
Arsenal are now set to spend £27 million to sign Raya on a permanent basis. Sporting director Edu will be be hoping to raise enough funds from the sale of Ramsdale to cover the purchase of Raya, with plenty leftover.
Earlier this season, TeamTalk reported that the Gunners have put a £60 million price tag on the England shot-stopper. There is also certainly interest in the Arsenal outcast’s services. Wolves are the latest club to have been linked with a move for Ramsdale.
Wolves may struggle to meet this £60 million valuation, and may well be temped to make a low-ball offer for Ramsdale on the basis that Arsenal are clearly keen to move him on, and they may also feel that his value has been significantly diminished by his season on the sidelines.
Arsenal sporting director Edu must prove selling ability with Aaron Ramsdale deal
Wolves, and other interested clubs, could also be relying on Ramsdale to push for an Arsenal exit himself, which may drive his price down. Whilst there is no suggestion that the shot-stopper is a difficult character behind the scenes, he can’t be happy with his current circumstances at the Emirates Stadium which could negatively impact squad morale, which Arteta will be desperate to avoid.
However, Edu cannot allow these factors to force his hand into dropping the asking price for Ramsdale. If that is the figure that Arsenal have deemed the player to be worth, then they must hold out for it.
All too often in the past, the North London club have failed to fetch top prices when selling players. This trend needs to change, and Edu must prove that he can be an effective force in the market when it comes to offloading players.