As per the latest reports in Express, Arsenal are considering West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone as an alternative to Aaron Ramsdale.
The Englishman was one of the most impressive players for the Baggies, shining with his performances despite the team getting relegated. This was rewarded with a call-up to the England team at the Euros.
The Gunners have been trying to buy Ramsdale, but the Blades are asking for a fee in the region of £40m. They have deemed this to be too much and have instead shifted their focus towards Johnstone.
One reason for this is the difference in price as Albion would only want a fee of around £12m(as per The Athletic) and this would be more desirable for the north Londoners.
After reports of this interest came out, fans have expressed their happiness. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on why the Gunners should look to buy Johnstone instead of the Sheffield keeper. Here are some of the best reactions:
Johnstone >>>>> Ramsdale
Hope Arsenal seriously consider this!— Mohit Godbole (@mohitgodbole24) July 26, 2021
Much more reasonable. Use the extra 20mil on Aouar. Not difficult.
— Charles Futerman (@CharlesFuterman) July 26, 2021
That’s a no brainer if they want a decent English goalkeeper
— Arsenal Fan & YouTuber (@AFCNeomis) July 26, 2021
This is a no brainer @Arsenal @AFTVMedia https://t.co/Blch4M1Q69
— Luke.R (@lukeramdeen) July 26, 2021
Absolute no brainier — Johnstone over Ramsdale https://t.co/bojr8SzAuv
— Nii Okantey Shikatse II (@thereal_marv) July 26, 2021
steal, better than leno as well https://t.co/rc77XRDzZD
— hasan (@TimbTheTimbhog) July 26, 2021
That’s a bargain. Sign him up SMFH
— Robby Wages (@WagesRobby) July 26, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
With Bernd Leno looking unlikely to leave the Emirates this summer, it would make more sense for the club if they went with the cheaper option. Doing this will also allow them to have more funds available for other transfers, in positions where reinforcements are needed.
For example, the Gunners are more in need of a creative midfielder and if they were to spend around £40m on a keeper, it would severely hamper the options available. With Johnstone, the club would be getting a more experienced shot-stopper who will also be able to push Leno to be the number one.
After losing Emiliano Martinez last season, the north Londoners haven’t really had a reliable second option. Though they got Mat Ryan on loan earlier this year, they need a more permanent solution. That is where the Baggies keeper comes in and would solve a lot of problems.
There is still plenty of time left in the transfer market and anything can happen between now and then. It is clear that Arsenal are on the lookout for a goalkeeper, and they would be better served by going for Johnstone.
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