Arsenal are already creating plans to replace Aaron Ramsdale this summer, despite turning down the approach from Nottingham Forest for his transfer on deadline day.
The 25-year-old had an uncertain future at Emirates Stadium throughout the winter market. But Arsenal ultimately elected to retain Ramsdale as boss Mikel Arteta’s No2 goalkeeper for, at least, the rest of this season. Now, his unclear situation will roll on until the summer sales.
Ramsdale was a hot topic during the window having only enjoyed one Premier League game since the September international break. Arteta even only recalled the four-cap England star away to Brentford on November 25 with David Raya ineligible to play against his parent club.
Arsenal plan to replace Aaron Ramsdale despite snubbing Nottingham Forest’s approach
Now, football.london reports that Arsenal are already establishing a contingency plan to sign a replacement for Ramsdale in the next transfer window. The Gunners’ ideal outcome would be for him to remain at the Emirates with Raya. But they want to have a successor lined up.
Arsenal will take up their £27m option to buy Raya from Brentford in the summer and would prefer to avoid another significant outlay on a goalkeeper’s transfer to replace Ramsdale. He is also under contract until 2026, so the north Londoners will demand a substantial amount.
Ramsdale may have left Arsenal on deadline day on Thursday as The Athletic’s Daniel Taylor reported that Nottingham Forest asked about his transfer. But the Gunners held firm, so the Reds thrashed out a last-ditch deal for Matz Sels with French team, RC Strasbourg Alsace.
Arsenal eye Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson as a possible summer transfer replacement
One option Arsenal might have for Raya’s No2 this summer is for Sunderland talent Anthony Patterson to replace Ramsdale. According to HITC Football, the Gunners are ‘very interested’ in the 23-year-old. But Manchester City and Liverpool are also following his displays closely.
Arteta would likely have a big budget to sign a replacement for Ramsdale should Arsenal sell a player their tactician calls ‘exceptional’. Reports by talkSPORT during November noted that Chelsea are prepared to play the long game as Arsenal were demanding £50m for Ramsdale.
Additionally, talkSPORT noted interest from Newcastle United in the shot-stopper’s switch in December. But Arsenal’s price tag froze Ramsdale out of a mid-season transfer. So, doubts about his future in north London will continue until the summer window opens for business.
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