Chelsea 'informed' about former Arsenal target as transfer beckons

Updated: 23 Jul 2024 08:03 CDT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Diant Ramaj is no longer Ajax's first-choice goalkeeper, according to Dutch media.

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The German goalkeeper will have to settle for a place on the bench for the time being, while Remko Pasveer is preferred between the sticks, according to Voetbal International.

Di Marzio journalist Luca Bendoni writes on X that Chelsea can offer the former Eintracht Frankfurt man a possible way out. According to his information, the English giants are 'informed' about Ramaj's situation and appear to be very charmed by his qualities.

The Londoners are looking for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Robert Sanchez. Kepa Arrizabalaga will be sold and coach Enzo Maresca does not believe that Djordje Petrovic is good enough with the ball at his feet to play his style; he has also been made available for a transfer.

Previously, Ramaj had caught the eye of Arsenal. In February, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that the Gunners were considering the 22-year-old as an option should Aaron Ramsdale leave.

In addition to Chelsea, several clubs from Spain are also said to be targeting Ramaj, who has been told that he will have to settle for a place on the bench at Ajax for the time being.

Ramaj loses his place

Remko Pasveer was preferred to Ramaj in Ajax's last friendly match against Olympiacos and made an excellent impression against the Greek top club. The 40-year-old goalkeeper kept a clean sheet and therefore played a major role in the 1-0 win.

According to Lentin Goodijk of Voetbal International, there is little chance that coach Francesco Farioli will change this in the short term. Goodijk believes that the experienced shot-stopper can act as first choice.

"That is of course really possible," he stated, "he is really fit for a 40-year-old man! He is also good with the ball and he has a leading role in the team." Pasveer recently extended his contract until 2025.

A departure from the Johan Cruyff ArenA therefore beckons for Ramaj. The 22-year-old goalkeeper won a starting place last season when Geronimo Rulli was out of action with a serious injury. The German goalkeeper won the trust of then-coach John van 't Schip and became one of the pillars of the team.