Arsenal could be set to sell several players in the summer transfer window, and some of these departures could prove to be profitable.
Mikel Arteta’s squad are challenging for the Premier League title, but even if they do not beat Manchester City to the crown, they will back themselves to compete again with a few signings in the transfer window.
They could fund these additions with several fairly high-profile sales, and we recently revealed that the club could hold out for more than £35m for striker Eddie Nketiah.
Another player who is attracting interest is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The England International lost his starting place to David Raya, and looks likely to move on to a club where he can play regularly.
Whilst Arsenal may expect a significant transfer fee for the 25-year-old, they may have to make an uncomfortable deal with their London rivals Chelsea.
Chelsea are interested in a deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
Speaking on the JDS Podcast, journalist Sami Mokbel claimed that there is interest from Chelsea in Aaron Ramsdale, with the Blues on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer.
“There’s certainly interest. I think it’s a situation that they will monitor, and I think that there is a desire to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, that much is clear I think,” he stated.
“Regardless of how much of an improvement he would be on either Sanchez or Petrovic, I think Ramsdale would definitely mark an improvement overall.”
Arsenal have made uncomfortable deals with Chelsea before
Arsenal fans may be uncomfortable with seeing a player as popular as Ramsdale playing for a bitter rival in Chelsea, but the deal has to be seen in context.
Chelsea may be the only club to make a significant offer for him, and Ramsdale would play regularly at Stamford Bridge, with it clear that he has no future as Arsenal’s number one.
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Arsenal faced a similar scenario when they had to sell Olivier Giroud to Chelsea to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to arrive, and at the time that was a much better Chelsea team.
Chelsea in their current state are nowhere near challenging Arsenal domestically, and even with Ramsdale in goal, Arsenal would back themselves to finish several places above them.
If Chelsea’s offer is the best one and Ramsdale is keen on the move, there will be little room for sentimentality.