Sheff Utd goalkeeper Ramsdale misses match amid Arsenal links

Gunners are reportedly on the verge of signing the 23-year-old shot stopper for an initial fee of 24 million pounds

LONDON:

Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale missed their Championship (second tier) defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday amid ongoing speculation about a move to Premier League club Arsenal.

Reports in British media said Arsenal were on the verge of finalising an agreement to sign Ramsdale, with an initial fee in the region of 24 million pounds ($32.93 million).

Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic said before the match, which they lost 4-0, that the 23-year-old was not "in the right state of mind".

"We felt he was not ready for the game. We took the decision not to use him," he told Sky Sports.

Ramsdale, who joined the club from Bournemouth in August last year, played all 38 games in the Premier League last season.

He was named the club's Player of the Year but was unable to prevent them being relegated.

Chelsea winger Kenedy moves to Flamengo on loan

Chelsea winger Kenedy has extended his contract at the club until June 2023 and joined Brazilian champions Flamengo on a season-long loan, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

This is the fifth time Kenedy has been sent out on loan since joining Chelsea in 2015, previously having spells at Watford, Newcastle United, Getafe and Granada.

The 25-year-old made 44 appearances in all competitions for Granada last season, scoring eight goals and assisting six times.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi also signed a new contract until 2023 and moved to Turkish side Besiktas on loan for the rest of the season.