Transfer Centre

Aaron Ramsdale, David de Gea 'open to joining Newcastle United in January'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 05 December 2023

Ramsdale, De Gea 'open to joining Newcastle in January'

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and former Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea are reportedly open to joining Newcastle United in January following Nick Pope's shoulder injury.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and former Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea are reportedly open to joining Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

The Magpies were dealt a major injury blow on Saturday night as first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder in a 1-0 home win over Man United in the Premier League.

Pope is set to learn the severity of his injury when he meets a specialist this week, and it is understood that the 31-year-old will be ruled out for between four and five months.

The England international is the latest name to be added to Newcastle's lengthy injury list including Sven Botman (knee), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Joe Willock (Achilles), Sean Longstaff (ankle), Callum Wilson, Matt Targett (both hamstring), Elliot Anderson, Dan Burn (both back), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Javi Manquillo (groin).

Martin Dubravka is expected to fill the void left behind by Pope in the short term, while Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie are two other backup options at Eddie Howe's disposal.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

However, a recent report claims that free agent De Gea is one of a number of options under consideration by Newcastle, with the Spaniard's immediate availability understood to appeal to Magpies chiefs.

According to talkSPORT, De Gea has offered his services to Newcastle, while Arsenal's Ramsdale is also open to making a move to St James' Park in the New Year.

The report adds that Newcastle are reluctant to spend big on a new shot-stopper, so a move for Ramsdale – who is valued at around £50m by Arsenal – is seemingly considered less likely compared with De Gea, who is regarded as a more affordable option.

De Gea bid farewell to Man United last summer after 12 years at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils opted against extending his £375,000-a-week contract.

The 33-year-old won five trophies at Man United and kept 190 clean sheets in 545 games across all competitions, while he also won a number of individual accolades including two Premier League Golden Glove awards, claiming last season's prize with 17 clean sheets.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale reacts on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

However, De Gea has since struggled to find himself a new club despite reported interest from the likes of Real Betis and teams in Saudi Arabia.

Although De Gea is believed to be willing to join Newcastle, it is though that the Spaniard would need to accept a significant salary reduction in order to comply with the club's wage structure.

Ramsdale, meanwhile, has fallen out of favour at Arsenal under head coach Mikel Arteta since the summer arrival of David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal.

The 25-year-old was Arsenal's undisputed number one last season, but he has since started just one of the Gunners' last 10 Premier League games, leading to speculation about his long-term future at the club.

Ramsdale is at risk of losing his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of Euro 2024 and would ideally like to play regularly at the highest possible level to ensure that he is on the plane to Germany next summer.

A recent report claims that Arsenal would be willing to offload Ramsdale in the summer of 2024, but they are not actively looking to part ways with the Englishman in January.