Arsenal 'identify Diant Ramaj as Aaron Ramsdale replacement'

Arsenal allegedly hold an interest in signing Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.

At the start of the season, the England international appeared cemented as first choice at the Gunners, despite the loan arrival of David Raya from Brentford.

However, after the September international break, Mikel Arteta showed his hand by giving Raya his debut and opting to keep the Spaniard between the sticks for the majority of the campaign.

Since featuring in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on September 3, Ramsdale has been provided with just five starts, all but one of those coming in cup competitions.

Ramsdale's one further outing in the Premier League came when Raya was ineligible to face parent club Brentford, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 triumph.

© Reuters

Nevertheless, the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United man is now without a first-team appearance since January 7, leading to frequent speculation regarding his future.

Although Mikel Arteta will see the benefits of retaining Ramsdale in his squad, the 25-year-old's contract expires in 2026 and Arsenal could significantly boost their position with FFP with a sale.

According to transfer insider Steve Kay, who was speaking to FootballTransfers, Arsenal are admirers of Ramaj, who is currently the first-choice shot-stopper at Ajax.

Ramaj has made a total of 21 starts and two substitute outings for the Dutch giants this campaign, albeit one which is turning out to be one of their worst in recent memory on the domestic front.

© Reuters

Kay says: "Arsenal also liked him when he was at Eintracht Frankfurt. He's good on the ball which is something Mikel Arteta certainly wants. He's also excellent at long balls to the attackers and could be the perfect backup at Arsenal.

"Ramaj's also a great shot-stopper. He's brave in coming out for crosses. The only question mark, if anything, is his handling. As for his value, I'm told he wouldn't cost a lot. A fee of €15m has been mentioned to me."

Before his move to Ajax last summer, Ramaj had made just two senior appearances for Frankfurt, taking him to a total of just 26 first-team outings in his career despite being the age of 22.

Ajax have Ramaj on a contract until the end of 2027-28, leaving them in a position where they can command their asking price of the former Germany Under-20 international.