Boost for Arsenal as Newcastle eye €40m Ramsdale alternative

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 May 2024 09:19 BST
• 4 min read

Newcastle are keen on signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to a report.

The Magpies are in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Nick Pope. With Loris Karius and perhaps Martin Dubravka leaving the club, Newcastle need to bolster their options between the sticks.

For several months already, Eddie Howe's side have been linked with a move for Arsenal number two Aaron Ramsdale, with the coach keen to reunite with his former Bournemouth protégé.

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The 26-year-old lost his Gunners place to Brentford loanee David Raya at the start of the season and speculation surrounding his future has been rampant. Chelsea have also been said to be keeping tabs on Ramsdale.

Arsenal, for their part, are keen to keep hold of Ramsdale, but they won't stand in his way if he has the chance to become a number one elsewhere. The chances of that happening at Newcastle, however, have seemingly taken a hit with the news that the Magpies are eyeing an alternative.

Newcastle want LaLiga star

According to The Times, Newcastle are admirers of Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has been one of LaLiga's best goalkeepers over the past two seasons.

It is claimed that the Georgian is one of their 'leading targets' and that they will step up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper. Mamardashvili has a €100 million release clause, but it is thought that €40m could be enough to get Valencia to sell.

READ MORE: 'Arsenal need to replace €50m signing'

Despite the club's much-talked-about Profit and Sustainability issues, Newcastle look keen to get their business done early this summer. The Magpies are hoping to snap up out-of-contract Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly this week and remain interested in Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabiyo, also a free agent soon.

Signing Mamardashvili would require a significant financial outlay and it is thought that Newcastle will have to make at least one big sale before being able to spend big. Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked with an exit, but Howe recently reiterated that he is desperate to keep the Brazilian.