Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta will reportedly soon hold direct talks with Aaron Ramsdale regarding his long-term future at the Emirates.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is preparing to hold “a very frank conversation” with the Gunners’ over his future after being forced to settle for a place on the bench this season.
The 25-year-old has been replaced as Arsenal’s usual starting goalkeeper by David Raya after the Spaniard signed on loan from Brentford over the summer. It did not take long for Ramsdale to begin to be linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium after Mikel Arteta’s suggestions of having two rotating goalkeepers were disproven.
The Englishman has played just eight times so far this season across all competitions, conceding the same number of goals. Overall, he has made 86 appearances during his Arsenal career, conceding 95 goals whilst keeping 32 clean sheets.
Recent reports have suggested that Arteta is planning to make Raya’s loan from Brentford a permanent deal at the end of the season after being impressed by his performances, with a £27 million buy option clause inserted in the initial loan deal that saw him move to north London. This is bad news for Ramsdale, as it suggests that he could be a second choice at Emirates for the foreseeable future.
There is still a belief that Arsenal want Raya and Ramsdale to remain part of their goalkeeping department for the rest of the season. However, it remains to be seen how long the 25-year-old will be happy to fight for his place at the Emirates, with the European Championships just around the corner and his Three Lions’ berth in real jeopardy.
It’s also being reported that Arteta will not stand in Ramsdale’s way if the former Sheffield United shot-stopper pushes for a departure and if appropriate bids come in. In case their resolve is tested, the Gunners have apparently set a £50 million asking price for a player they paid around £30 million for back in 2021.
The fact that Ramsdale not so long ago extended his contract until 2026 with the option of a further year will help Arsenal hold out for a substantial fee if the time comes to move him on.
There is no doubt that Ramsdale is a top goalkeeper, so it will be interesting to see if any club can table a big enough offer to convince Arsenal to sell him in January. It also remains to be seen what comes out of the upcoming crunch talks between Arteta and Ramsdale.
