Chelsea’s board are reportedly split when it comes to transfer interest in signing one high-profile player in the England squad.
The Blues are linked with a Premier League star who’s in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary England squad for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
Chelsea has two players themselves in the Three Lions camp, Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher. It’s no real surprise as they were the club’s outstanding performers last season.
Chelsea split on £30m transfer target
Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has reported that Chelsea’s interest in Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is causing a split of opinion.
The 26-year-old keeper lost his starting position at the Emirates Stadium last season, playing only 11 games across all competitions. He’s still being considered as a Blues target, though.
Phillips wrote on his Substack: “There’s been Chelsea interest in Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal, but I’ve heard he’s split opinions amongst the decision makers.”
Ramsdale cost Arsenal £30m (Sky Sports) from Sheffield United back in 2021, but he lost his role as first-choice goalkeeper last year to David Raya. However, it’s still not deterred England boss Southgate from calling him up.
Is Aaron Ramsdale good enough for Chelsea?
Incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is renowned for using goalkeepers with great ball-playing qualities, so does Arsenal’s Ramsdale fit that mould?
He was overtaken in the pecking order by Raya last season, who’s better with the ball at his feet. But Ramsdale is still pretty competent in that department.
The Chelsea Chronicle feels Ramsdale is a slight upgrade on what the Blues currently own, with the jury still out on shot-stoppers Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez.
Speaking via OptusSport back in January, Mark Schwarzer suggested that “top-quality” goalkeeper Ramsdale should join Chelsea because he’s too good to be sat on the bench.
It definitely feels like Ramsdale should force a move for himself this summer, but it’s difficult to know if Chelsea is the right step.