Transfer Centre

Chelsea, Bayern Munich 'monitoring Aaron Ramsdale situation'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 18 September 2023

Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly both keeping a close eye on Aaron Ramsdale's situation at Arsenal after he was dropped for David Raya against Everton.

Prior to the 2023-24 campaign, Ramsdale had spent two years as the Gunners' undisputed number one following his arrival in a £30m deal from Sheffield United in 2021.

Given his prior relegations with the Blades and Bournemouth, Ramsdale's signing was not warmly received by the entire Gooners contingent, but he quickly won over the Arsenal fanbase with a spate of stellar performances.

Demoting Bernd Leno to second choice owing to his superior footwork and distribution, the England international helped Arsenal return to the Europa League for the 2022-23 season before playing a key role in their unexpected title charge.

The Gunners ultimately fell just short in the race to pip Manchester City to glory, but Ramsdale's contributions were crucial in sealing the Gunners' return to the Champions League after a seven-year exile.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale reacts on May 7, 2023 © Reuters

Ramsdale comfortably kept Matt Turner at arm's length, but the Gunners raised a few eyebrows by making a summer move for Raya, who is currently on loan from Brentford with an option to buy.

Arsenal are expected to trigger that £27m clause next summer, and after starting the Gunners' first four league games, Ramsdale lost his place in goal to the Spaniard in Sunday's clash at Goodison Park.

Raya kept a clean sheet on his debut as Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners, and the Bees loanee was reliable when called upon, fuelling suggestions that he could be Arteta's number one moving forward.

However, the Gunners boss has hinted that he plans to rotate Ramsdale and Raya throughout the season, and the former is still expected to play an integral role for Arsenal on all fronts throughout the season.

Nevertheless, the Daily Mail claims that rivals have now been alerted to Ramsdale's uncertain situation, and both Chelsea and Bayern could potentially make a move for the England international in 2024.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale pictured on on January 15, 2023 © Reuters

Ramsdale only extended his Arsenal deal until 2026 in May, though, and those terms also include an option for an additional year, so the Gunners would be well-placed to demand a significant fee.

The report adds that the club will be expected to rebuff January bids for the 25-year-old, but summer offers close to the £60m mark could potentially open the door to discussions.

Ramsdale has 30 clean sheets to show from 83 games in an Arsenal jersey since joining in 2021, including 14 shut-outs in the 2022-23 Premier League season, earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

With Kepa Arrizabalaga joining Real Madrid on a temporary basis, Chelsea signed two new goalkeepers in Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic this summer, while Gabriel Slonina was loaned out to Eupen, but the club are still thought to be open to adding another shot-stopper to the ranks.

Meanwhile, Bayern saw Yann Sommer depart for Inter Milan in the most recent window and are planning for life after 37-year-old Manuel Neuer, whose contract expires at the end of the season.