Chelsea 'step up interest' in Arsenal star amid injury crisis

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Dec 2023 09:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea's rumoured interest in Aaron Ramsdale could become concrete in the wake of Robert Sanchez's injury, according to a report.

The Spaniard is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury, with the exact extent of the damage not yet fully known. While head coach Mauricio Pochettino has put the recovery timeline at a "few weeks," it could be months until Sanchez is ready again.

"You are always going to suffer when you have an injury to a player who has been our number one goalkeeper so far, it’s always a player you’re going to miss," the Argentine said at the pre-match press conference prior to his side's clash with Sheffield United.

"But we have another keeper that has been working hard to be ready if this type of thing happens. Of course, I am very sad because we are going to lose a player maybe for a few weeks." In addition to Sanchez, Chelsea signed MLS standout goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in the summer, while they also have the experienced Marcus Bettinelli on their books.

Yet that may not stop them from dipping into the market to sign a replacement for Sanchez, according to talkSPORT.

Ramsdale to Chelsea?

The Blues have been linked with dropped Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale ever since David Raya supplanted him, though a move had previously been deemed extremely unlikely, particularly in January. In the wake of Sanchez's injury, however, "Chelsea are considering stepping up their interest," claims the above-mentioned report.

Due to the Blues' struggles this term, Pochettino has begun urging his Chelsea higher-ups to amend their transfer policy to allow for the signing of big-name players with elite-level experience rather than promising youngsters and Ramsdale would fit the bill.

The 25-year-old's confidence has visibly taken a hit by Raya's arrival and he has not always looked convincing when given his chances this season. Moreover, he would be incredibly hard to get given Arsenal's reluctance to sell in January, but he could be a worthwhile investment, showing last season the heights he can reach when given the full backing of his manager.