Chelsea will not make a move for Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale during the January transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing in his Daily Briefing Substack column, Romano said that, while there is a “possibility” the England international will leave the Emirates in the New Year, he can “guarantee” that a switch to Stamford Bridge is not on the cards:
“For sure Ramsdale wants to play more, but he’s also prepared to fight for his place at Arsenal in case he stays there. I can also guarantee that Ramsdale is not a target for Chelsea, and they’re not going to sign a goalkeeper in January, despite some speculation and links with Ramsdale.”
Ramsdale was mentioned as a possible target for Chelsea back in September right after he lost his place in the Gunners’ starting lineup to David Raya.
At the time, it was reported that the 25-year-old’s valuation was as high as £60m, which is not a figure that any team would be prepared to pay.
Ramsdale’s father has spoken out about his son’s situation at Arsenal
Romano was writing about Ramsdale’s future prior to quotes from the player’s Dad going public in the British press on Tuesday morning. Nick Ramsdale has made headlines by revealing that his son is not happy with his current situation. Speaking on the Highbury Squad podcast, he said:
“Aaron lost that smile. And it’s difficult to see him there. We all keep saying: ‘You need to keep smiling’. And at the moment in time, we haven’t got that smile in him.”
“David Raya is a great goalkeeper and it’s not his fault. He’s just come in as a goalkeeper. It’s just like when Aaron came in and Bernd Leno was there.”
“Aaron says Raya is a lovely guy and he works hard with him. Aaron is trying to help in as much as he can to settle in with the squad. It’s possibly the way it’s been done, not knowing the reason why.”
Chelsea are prioritising a different position
It is believed that the Blues are eyeing up a move for a striker, rather than a goalkeeper, when the transfer window reopens.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney is said to be the most likely option for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, although there is clear interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen too.