Ramsdale had been the Gunners’ undisputed starter for two seasons prior to the 2023-24 season after joining the club in a £30 million transfer from Sheffield United in 2021.
Ramsdale’s signing was not universally celebrated by Gooners due to his history of relegation with both the Blades and Bournemouth, but he swiftly won over the club’s faithful with a series of impressive displays.
After supplanting Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper in 2022–23 due to his superior footwork and distribution, the Englishman played a crucial role in the club’s surprising run to the title the following season.
Although the Gunners were ultimately unable to beаt Manchester City to the title, Ramsdale’s performances were vital in ensuring the club’s return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence.
Ramsdale easily kept Matt Turner at bay, but the Gunners’ summer signing for Raya, presently on loan from Brentford with an option to buy, raised some concerns.
After starting the Gunners’ opening four league games, Ramsdale was replaced by the Spaniard in Sunday’s match at Goodison Park, and Arsenal is set to activate that £27m clause next summer.
Arsenal won 1-0 in Raya’s first game in net, and the Bees loanee performed admirably when called upon, leading some to speculate that he could replace Arteta as the starting goalkeeper in the future.
Ramsdale is anticipated to play a key role for Arsenal on all fronts this season, although the Gunners manager has hinted that he may rotate Ramsdale and Raya throughout the season.
The Daily Mail, however, reports that Ramsdale’s competitors have been made aware of his precarious predicament, and that both Chelsea and Bayern may make a play for the England international in 2024.
However, Ramsdale’s contract with Arsenal was only extended until 2026 in May, and the conditions contain an option for an extra year, so the Gunners would be in a strong position to demand a hefty sum.
According to the source, the club is set to reject bids for the 25-year-old in January, but proposals near the £60 million mark in the summer could lead to negotiations.
Ramsdale has played 83 games for Arsenal since signing in 2021, and he has kept 30 clean sheets (including 14 in the 2022–23 Premier League season, which earned him a spot on the PFA Team of the Year).
Chelsea are rumored to be open to signing another goalkeeper to their roster despite having added two this summer (Roberto Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic) to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is on loan to Real Madrid. Gabriel Slonina was loaned out to Eupen.
Yann Sommer left Bayern for Inter Milan during the most recent transfer window, and a number of other players left as well.