SAINTS have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a permanent basis, the Daily Echo understands.

Ramsdale, 26, emerged as the club's top target after a deal to sign Feyenoord shot-stopper Justin Bijlow fell through following a medical.

Ramsdale was keen to depart the Emirates this summer after losing his number one shirt at the Gunners to Spaniard David Raya.

The former AFC Bournemouth man is set for a medical at Staplewood while the two clubs continue to negotiate other aspects of the deal. 

Saints have agreed to pay an £18million initial fee, with £1million paid as a Premier League survival bonus and further incentives taking the package to £25million. 

A breakthrough in the deal came in the hours imminently leading up to kick-off of Southampton's Carabao Cup match at Cardiff City.

More to follow...