Arteta now planning to sell ‘excellent’ Arsenal payer in ‘surprise U-turn,’ with Chelsea on red alert
Arsenal is reportedly contemplating the sale of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a significant shift in transfer strategy by Mikel Arteta that was previously not on the cards.
Ramsdale’s role has diminished this season due to the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford.
Raya, who could be permanently acquired for £27 million next summer, has started the Gunners’ last six Premier League games, while Ramsdale hasn’t seen league action since mid-September.
The 25-year-old is concerned that his lack of game time might impact his spot in the England squad for the 2024 European Championships.
Additionally, pundits believe the competition between Raya and Ramsdale for the starting goalkeeper position could be causing friction within the Arsenal team.
Although Ramsdale is contracted with Arsenal until 2026, speculation about his future has been rife. Chelsea is reportedly considering a move for him, with manager Mauricio Pochettino looking to add competition for Robert Sanchez.
Initially, Arteta was staunchly against parting ways with Ramsdale, but recent indications suggest a potential shift in the manager’s stance.
As per Football Insider, Arsenal might consider “parting ways with Ramsdale next summer.” The report highlights the goalkeeper’s dissatisfaction with being in a secondary role since Raya’s arrival and his desire for regular first-team football elsewhere.
Although Ramsdale wishes to move to secure more playing time, the report suggests that Arsenal won’t entertain his departure during the January transfer window. Hence, any potential move to Chelsea would likely occur at the end of the season.
Football Insider emphasizes that if Arsenal were to sell Ramsdale, it would mark a surprising change of direction from Arteta.
The manager had previously expressed the benefits of having competition in every position, making his potential decision to part with Ramsdale an unexpected turn of events.
“To have two excellent goalkeepers is great – there’s nothing wrong with it,” Arteta said.
“We have two great left-wingers and two great strikers and two great holding midfielders. We have Jorginho, Thomas [Partey] and Declan [Rice] and that is not a problem, and it should not be a problem.”
Indeed, despite Arteta’s positive remarks, it appears that Ramsdale is grappling with his current circumstances.
If his opportunities on the field don’t improve as the season progresses, it appears increasingly probable, according to the report, that Ramsdale will depart from the Emirates by the end of the season.
Arteta now planning to sell ‘excellent’ Arsenal payer in ‘surprise U-turn,’ with Chelsea on red alert
