Several names have been consistently named as Arsenal transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window, but a new option has now emerged.
Arsenal look set to part ways with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as the England International goes hunting for regular football, having lost his place to David Raya.
Several goalkeepers have been linked since, with a sensational return for former Gunner Wojciech Szczesny mooted, whilst Jason Steele of Brighton is also a more experienced option.
However, Mikel Arteta may also be interested in a younger option to provide competition for Raya, and Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj is reportedly of interest to Arsenal.
Arsenal are interested in Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj
Ramaj is not the only Ajax player to be linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, as it still appears that teenage defensive sensation Jorrel Hato is of interest as a left-back.
The goalkeeper is slightly older than the Dutch defender at 22, but is perhaps more raw, with 31 senior Ajax appearances to his name.
Ramaj moved to Ajax last summer, joining after making two appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, but he found himself thrust into the action, coming into the team to replace the injured Geronimo Rulli, and kept his place for a while ahead of the Argentine World Cup winner.
Ajax have had a difficult season, and Ramaj has had little protection from his teammates, meaning he has conceded 51 goals in 31 games. However, this does not tell the whole story.
What makes Diant Ramaj of interest to Arsenal?
Although he hardly played for Frankfurt, the German under-20 International was praised by goalkeeping coach Jan Zimmerman after he stepped into the team.
“Diant Ramaj made a good appearance. He was very brave, it was never noticed that it was his first game in the Bundesliga. As a goalkeeper coach I am happy for him. He saved the team in the end with a good save. He can be happy with himself,” he stated in January 2022, when the goalkeeper was just 20.
Despite Ajax’s struggles, Ramaj has been a positive figure at the back. When compared to his peers in similar leagues, he ranks highly for cross-stopping and defensive actions outside his box.
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This makes him comparable to Raya, who was brought in for his ability on the ball, as well as his aggressive positioning, which allows him to snuff out crosses before they can be turned into chances, and Arteta may have found the perfect competition and perhaps successor to him in the Ajax star.
Given the interest in Ramaj and Hato, it is clear that Arsenal have kept a close eye on Ajax, and may see their disappointing campaign as the perfect opportunity to swoop in to sign their best young talents.
