Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'not considering Aaron Ramsdale approach'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 04 November 2023

Chelsea are reportedly not actively pursuing a move for second-choice Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale despite recent speculation.

The England international has been forced to watch from the sidelines in recent weeks after being demoted to second choice by Brentford loanee David Raya.

Ramsdale has earned numerous plaudits for his shot-stopping and athleticism since joining from Sheffield United in 2021, and he started the season as the Gunners' first-choice for the third year in a row.

The 25-year-old started the campaign with a Community Shield winners' medal around his neck, having saved from Rodri in the penalty shootout against Manchester City, but Raya was introduced in between the sticks in September and has held his spot ever since.

Ramsdale has not made a Premier League appearance since September's 3-1 win over Manchester United, being an unused substitute in five of their last six league games, missing the 2-2 draw with Chelsea for the birth of his child.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale pictured on August 6, 2023 © Reuters

The former Bournemouth man is also yet to earn a minute of Champions League football so far this season, although a few Raya errors have led to questions over Mikel Arteta's decision-making in the goalkeeping department.

Nevertheless, Raya held his spot once again for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle United, and Ramsdale's lack of domestic action already appears to be harming his international prospects.

The Arsenal man was called up for October's fixtures, but Sam Johnstone began the friendly success over Australia before Jordan Pickford returned for their Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy.

With the continental championships on the horizon, Ramsdale is reportedly itching for regular minutes, leading to inevitable talk of a move away from Arsenal when the window reopens in January,

Bayern Munich and Chelsea have been tipped to battle for the 25-year-old's services, and a recent report claimed that the Blues were willing to be patient to strike a deal.

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

However, according to Fabrizio Romano - via football.london - Chelsea are not looking to add the Englishman to their ranks at this moment in time, having recently undergone a significant overhaul in the goalkeeping department.

Former number ones Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy are not at Mauricio Pochettino's disposal, with the latter joining Al-Ahli permanently and Kepa being loaned out to Real Madrid.

In response, the Blues brought in Robert Sanchez as their new first-choice stopper, while Djordje Petrovic was also poached from New England Revolution to play second fiddle to the Spaniard.

Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom are also in the Stamford Bridge ranks, while American youngster Gabriel Slonina was loaned out to Belgian side Eupen for the 2023-24 season.

Ramsdale has 31 clean sheets to show from 85 games in an Arsenal jersey and only signed a new long-term contract until the summer of 2026 back in May.