Chelsea face new competition in race to sign Arsenal star

Cameron Smith

• 8 Mar 2024 12:07 GMT
• 3 min read

Newcastle United are ready to battle Chelsea in the race to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer, according to reports.

The England international has started just five Premier League games this season, following David Raya’s arrival on loan from Brentford, with his only league appearance since 3 September coming against the Bees, with Raya ineligible to face his parent club.

As a result, he has been touted for a permanent exit at the end of the current campaign.

READ MORE: The Chelsea and Man Utd target Arsenal must sign as Zinchenko's replacement

Ramsdale, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the past few months, amid their uncertain goalkeeper situation, while Newcastle are also keen to bolster their options in that department following Nick Pope’s injury problems.

As revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal have identified Ajax’s Diant Ramaj as a possible replacement for Ramsdale, if the former Sheffield United shot-stopper leaves the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the Gunners set to sign Raya on a permanent deal once his loan move ends.

READ MORE: Why Arsenal's goalscoring bubble could be about to burst

What has been said about Aaron Ramsdale?

Transfer reporter Dean Jones spoke about Ramsdale to GiveMeSport and revealed: “"I think basic logic tells you that Ramsdale cannot continue to just sit on the bench watching Arsenal week in week out.

“He's basically got a season ticket at the moment. That's not really where he needs to be at this moment in his career.

“He's been very professional this season and credit to him for remaining so patient when others would not have. He will definitely have offers to leave. I think we will see rumours around that build in May and as we head into the Euros.

“I know Newcastle and Chelsea both have a level of interest. I'd be very surprised if Ramsdale did not end up leaving Arsenal in the summer.”

Ramsdale will be given perhaps his last chance to impress Mikel Arteta this weekend when Arsenal face Raya’s parent club Brentford.