Arsenal braced for 'intriguing' January transfer saga
Tom Weber
- Updated: 31 Oct 2023 09:59 GMT
- 4 min read
The transfer saga surrounding Aaron Ramsdale could become 'intriguing' in January, according to a report.
Despite Mikel Arteta's insistence in the summer that David Raya was not signed to outright replace Ramsdale, last season's Arsenal number one is now firmly behind the Spaniard in the pecking order at the Emirates.
Even off the back of several nervy performances, Raya kept his place in the Gunners' side against struggling Sheffield United, a game for which Arteta otherwise made plenty of changes. Given that Ramsdale is a very solid Premier League goalkeeper, the fact that he is now rotting on the bench has given rise to plenty of rumours surrounding his future.
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Chelsea, still in the market for a goalkeeper despite signing two in the summer, are said to be monitoring the situation, though signing someone between the sticks is not the Blues' most pressing priority for January. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the goalkeeping department at Arsenal will be one to watch for January.
What did Jacobs say?
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Jacobs said: "Arteta made a number of changes [against Sheffield Utd], Emile Smith Rowe made his first start of the season; at the same time, Eddie Nketiah got game time, Jakub Kiwior played, and yet David Raya was the goalkeeper."
"If I am Ramsdale, that underlines something he has known for a while. Even if Arteta repeatedly says there is healthy competition, there is a clear number one at Arsenal and it is not Aaron Ramsdale. As far as January is concerned, I still think it is going to be quite difficult for any clubs. We hear a lot about Chelsea, but Arsenal will not want to lose a player like Ramsdale, who is a positive influence even when he is not playing, midway through the season."
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“Of course, there will be rumours, of course, there will be interest, of course, there will be enquiries, but I think Arsenal will do everything they possibly can to hang on to Ramsdale and they may need him. It is an intriguing one for January.”
