Chelsea and Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing 26-year-old English international Aaron Ramsdale from relegation-threatened Premier League Southampton.
According to a report by talkSPORT, Aaron Ramsdale is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a goalkeeper amid the struggles of their current shot-stoppers. However, a deal for the Southampton mainstay will only see the light of day if Kepa Arrizabalaga completes a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has claimed that the Southampton shot-stopper is a target for Leeds United heading into the summer transfer window. With Illan Meslier blowing hot and cold, the Whites want a new goalkeeper, with the English international emerging as a target. In addition, he might have a release clause if Southampton cannot avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Aaron Ramsdale and his situation
Aaron Ramsdale has been a rare bright spot for Southampton since arriving from Arsenal in a deal worth £25 million last summer. The 26-year-old was eager for regular game time after losing his spot as the North London club’s first-choice goalkeeper to David Raya. However, he has landed at another relegation-battling Premier League club.
The Englishman has turned out 21 times thus far for Southampton while conceding 47 goals and keeping only three clean sheets. However, with the Saints closing in on being relegated from the Premier League, a release clause might come into the equation. The situation has piqued the attention of several clubs, including Chelsea and Leeds United.
Will Ramsdale remain in the Premier League?
Aaron Ramsdale has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, even though the Blues have a stacked goalkeeping unit. While Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain future after he returns from his loan spell with Bournemouth, Robert Sanchez has been dreadful, earning the ire of pundits and fans alike. However, a deal will only materialise if Chelsea can offload a goalkeeper.
As for Leeds United, Illan Meslier has blown hot and cold in the 2024/25 season. So, the Whites need an upgrade on the French goalkeeper, with Ramsdale emerging as a viable candidate to be an alternative to the incumbent stopper.
Apart from Chelsea and Leeds United, the 26-year-old Englishman is also a target for Brentford. Meanwhile, a release clause will come into effect if Southampton cannot avoid relegation from the Premier League. So, the English international will likely remain in the Premier League even if the Saints go down to the EFL Championship.
