Aaraon Ramsdale is a personal signing of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, it has been revealed.

Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Ramsdale had been a part of relegated squads two years on the bounce and at £24million, many felt the Gunners had overpaid.

The Athletic reports it was the manager himself that personally advocated for the 24-year-old, with Edu looking at cheaper alternatives.

The technical director was reportedly keen to sign Neto from Barcelona, a transfer which would have cost substantially less than the Ramsdale one.

However, Arteta was insistent and eventually got his man, despite being forced to pay an English premium.

The Arsenal boss has been under fire thanks to a poor Premier League start and is fully aware that his talent identification will be vital.

His belief in Ramsdale was clear to see when after just three games - where Leno had conceded nine times - he was drafted into the starting line-up against Norwich.

After keeping a clean sheet against the Canaries, he retained his place for the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.