Mikel Arteta has now warned Aaron Ramsdale against making a rash decision to leave Arsenal to support his England case amid interest from Chelsea in targeting a transfer.
The 25-year-old has been hugely out of favour at Emirates Stadium since the arrival of David Raya in north London. Arteta has made the Spaniard his clear No1 goalkeeper despite a host of unconvincing performances. Ramsdale last played in the Premier League on September 3.
Ramsdale was the Gunners’ undisputed first-choice goalkeeper entering the season and he made the PFA’s 2022/23 Team of the Year. He helped Arsenal claim a runners-up finish with 14 clean sheets in 38 top-flight games. The four-cap star was second for the Golden Glove.
Chelsea are targeting Ramsdale’s transfer from Arsenal
Yet, despite Ramsdale producing an array of vital saves throughout the Premier League term last season, Arteta now trusts Raya. The 28-year-old has started their last seven matches for four clean sheets. But Raya has often looked nervous on the ball and dealing with all danger.
So, with Raya’s place now appearing guaranteed no matter what, TEAMtalk recently claimed that Ramsdale is open to leaving Arsenal. He is determined to feature regularly over the rest of the season to guarantee a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024 and has several suitors.
Multiple Premier League clubs have already sounded out Ramsdale’s availability but Arsenal would want more than £60m to cash in. The Gunners believe he is worth at least double the potential £30m they paid Sheffield United in August 2021. His move cost an initial £24m fee.
Further reports by talkSPORT have cited Chelsea and Newcastle United with an interest in a transfer from Arsenal for Ramsdale. He is emerging as a top target in west London for coach Mauricio Pochettino. Eddie Howe also retains an interest after signing him at Bournemouth.
Chelsea would like to sign Ramsdale during January if the chance becomes available but are ready to wait. Stamford Bridge chiefs know it will be hard to prise him away out of Arsenal in January. Ramsdale is also under contract to 2026 after signing £120k-a-week terms in May.
What has Arteta said about Ramsdale possibly leaving?
But while Ramsdale may be open to leaving Arsenal to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England side, Arteta has warned the goalkeeper against rushing any decisions on his future.
“We just want the best for our players and we try to do that,” Arteta said, via quotes by BBC Sport. “We know the influence that we can have – sometimes positively, sometimes not so positively – towards them.
“This is a team sport that needs 24 players that have to fulfil a role. And the role that you have in August, it might be very different to the one you have in March.
“So, making early decisions – in my experience – is not something good at all and, as well, because the team has certain needs that have to be accomplished. You need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team.”
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