Arsenal willing to sanction Aaron Ramsdale exit at end of season
Arsenal have made it clear to Aaron Ramsdale they will allow him to leave at the end of the season but are not interested in selling him during the January transfer window.
Ramsdale has lost his spot as the Gunners’ starting goalkeeper this season to summer signing David Raya, being reduced to appearances in the Carabao Cup – Arsenal were eliminated in round four by West Ham United.
As Raya was ineligible to face parent club Brentford on Saturday – 90min reported last week Arsenal will take up the option to make his move permanent – Ramsdale was afforded a rare chance to impress back in a Premier League lineup. Despite keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, he nearly cost the Gunners with some terribly shaky distribution in the first half.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta intimated earlier this season he did not save a set number one and the plan was for Raya and Ramsdale to push each other the way outfielders compete for positions, but it’s becoming increasingly clear he sees the Spain international as his first choice.
Ramsdale was strong in his belief he would fight for his place upon Raya’s arrival, but he would now ideally like to leave Arsenal in the January window – even if only on loan – in pursuit of regular football.
However, Arsenal do not intend to sanction an exit in the upcoming window without having a replacement lined up, and given they have other priorities in the transfer market – namely bringing in a new midfielder – Ramsdale is likely to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the time being.
Several Premier League clubs in the bottom half of the table are interested in securing Ramsdale’s services despite Arsenal’s stance. Wolves have been monitoring his situation as their current goalkeeper Jose Sa has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, while former clubs Bournemouth and Sheffield United have been tipped to make a play for Ramsdale should he become available.
As 90min reported in September, Ramsdale is on Chelsea’s shortlist of goalkeepers for the long-term, while Newcastle retain a similar interest. However, neither are looking to make a move for him in January.
