Chelsea will NOT move for Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale after abandoning their interest in the England goalkeeper.
The Blues are in the market for a new shot-stopper this summer following the arrival of Enzo Maresca. That is despite being spoilt for choice when it comes to goalkeepers.
Chelsea had Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic competing for the number one shirt last term, while Marcus Bettinelli was in reserve. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Slonina and Lucas Bergstrom have all returned from loan this summer.
Chelsea have already been linked with a number of goalkeepers including Leicester ’s Mads Hermansen and Villarreal star Filip Jorgensen. English duo James Trafford and Ramsdale are also options but the Blues appear to have moved on from the Arsenal star.
According to The Athletic, they have ended their interest in the former Sheffield United and Bournemouth keeper. The decision leaves Ramsdale in a tricky position at the Emirates Stadium.
He fell down the pecking order last term following the loan arrival of David Raya – a deal that has now been made permanent. Ramsdale, 26, made just six Premier League appearances last season.
Mikel Arteta has always remained firm on his future and sees him staying in North London. Speaking last season, he said: “Suggestion? There is a big reality that Aaron is here because he is our player and has a contract.”
Chelsea are not the only Premier League side to have been linked with Ramsdale. Reports earlier this summer claimed that he was on the verge of a move to Newcastle, something that he denied.
He replied: “news to me,” alongside a laughing emoji. Ramsdale has two years remaining on his contract with Arsenal after penning a new long-term contract just last year.
He looks unlikely to regain his number one spot after Arteta’s glowing assessment of Raya after he was re-signed permanently. Speaking after the move was confirmed, he said: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player.
“He is a big presence in our dressing-room and we are really pleased to keep working with him. We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us. We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”
