Arsenal’s England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is reportedly considering his options for the future after losing his starting position to David Raya.
The 25-year-old Ramsdale has been sidelined in favour of Raya in Arsenal’s last two fixtures, sparking rumours that Chelsea could be looking to secure his services in the January transfer window.
Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021, was a consistent first-choice goalkeeper for the club after his arrival until this season.
He was replaced by David Raya, 28, a recent loan signing from Brentford, in the Gunners’ last two matches.
As part of Raya’s loan deal, Arsenal have an option to purchase the Spanish goalkeeper for £27m at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has not yet confirmed his preferred option between the sticks, but Raya’s recent appearances for Arsenal, including a 1-0 win against Everton and a Champions League victory against PSV Eindhoven, make the purchase increasingly likely.
This change in Ramsdale’s status has led to rumours that Chelsea might be keen to sign the goalkeeper in the January window.
However, according to reports from TalkSPORT, Ramsdale “will not rush into a decision” about a potential move away from Emirates Stadium.
In addition, Arsenal reportedly do not want to let him leave, anyway.
Arteta has expressed the emotional toll that player selections take on him.
In regard to Ramsdale, he stated, “It is very difficult with every player. And I suffer and I care about every player who is not playing.”
The Arsenal manager added that he has not made a final decision on who will start in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham.
“In your tummy when you have players sitting out and you have to announce the line-up, it is one of the hardest things,” Arteta said.
Despite the recent turn of events, Aaron Ramsdale, who signed a new five-year contract last summer, “is understood to be settled at Arsenal” and is “ready to try and fight to win back his place,” according to sources.
His long-term commitment to Arsenal seems to echo the faith the club has shown in him, as evidenced by his new contract and consistent game time until the recent change.