Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a new long-term contract with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

When the Englishman arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2021, he was expected to remain as deputy to established first choice Bernd Leno.

However, since making his Premier League debut for the Gunners three weeks after his arrival, Ramsdale has not looked back, earning the trust of manager Mikel Arteta.

In total, the England international now has 75 appearances to his name, all but six of those outings coming in the top flight.

Upon signing for the North Londoners, Ramsdale penned a four-year contract, now leaving him in a position where he is almost halfway through his deal.

Theoretically, that has left Arsenal susceptible to big-money offers for a goalkeeper who has earned Arsenal some crucial points during the Premier League title race.

Nevertheless, according to ESPN, negotiations have been progressing with regards to a contract extension.

The report claims that the Arsenal hierarchy are willing to hand the former Sheffield United and Bournemouth man a significant pay-rise to retain his services in the long term.

Arsenal are said to view it as a reward for the part that he has played in helping transform the team into contenders for the Premier League title.

Although Ramsdale has conceded 39 goals in 35 league matches this season, he has kept 13 clean sheets, 10 of which have been recorded in away fixtures.

Ramsdale has posted a total of 28 shutouts from his 75 outings in all competitions, six more than he registered in stints with the aforementioned Blades, Cherries and, preceding that, Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon.

Earlier in the season, Arsenal also announced new long-term contracts for the likes of defender Gabriel Magalhaes and winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal are also hopeful of finalising fresh terms for Bukayo Saka in the coming weeks, the club's star man having less than 14 months left on his existing terms. body check tags ::