Journalist reveals Arsenal stance on £30m ace who could be focus of January saga

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Arsenal have made a decision on the short-term future on Aaron Ramsdale.

Aaron Ramsdale seems increasingly likely to leave Arsenal at some point. The goalkeeper has lost his regular starting berth at the Emirates Stadium, and has spoken out publicly about the pain that that demotion has caused him.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper has attracted admiring glances from elsewhere in the Premier League. Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Ramsdale, according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs. Newcastle United are also eyeing-up the Arsenal man, as per The Sun. He could easily become the subject of a January transfer saga.

However, it would be a risk for Arsenal to let Ramsdale leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window. Whilst David Raya is now clearly Mikel Arteta’s first choice between the sticks, Ramsdale is still a top level back up option.

Karl Hein is the third choice goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium, and is not yet ready to take a step up in the pecking order. Were Ramsdale to leave in January, Arsenal would need to source a. direct replacement, which is an expense that the north London club would surely be keen to avoid at the mid-season point.

What next for Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal?

As such, the Gunners have a clear plan for how they wish to handle the Ramsdale situation this winter. According to Jacobs, speaking to GiveMeSport, “I also don’t think Arsenal will sanction it. I’ve said many times that, from Arsenal’s perspective, and you always have to factor in the player as well but from Arsenal’s perspective, they just don’t want Ramsdale to go.”

“They value him on and off the field, and they don’t want to lose that depth in the same way they don’t want to lose [Jakub] Kiwior’s depth in the same way they want [Takehiro] Tomiyasu to renew. So, it’s going to be difficult for Newcastle even if they did have an interest.”

Of course, player power is a major aspect of the modern game. If Ramsdale decides to ardently push for a departure, he may well get his way. However, it makes sense for Arteta to want to hang on to the player.

On the other hand, Arsenal have a modest budget at their disposal heading into the winter window, and need to prioritise bringing in defensive reinforcements. Ramsdale is a sellable asset. The £30 million former Sheffield United man has a high profile in the game as an England international and could be moved on for a sizeable fee.