Arsenal star being ‘monitored’ by Premier League rivals after losing first team spot... but will cost £60m

The Gunners are in a strong position

September 19, 2023 at 10:55 am GMT+1

Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is being ‘monitored’ by several rival Premier League clubs after losing seemingly his no.1 spot in north London, it has been claimed.

The Englishman has been Arsenal’s no.1 for the last two seasons, but saw David Raya arrive on loan from Brentford over the summer in a deal that includes an option to buy the Spaniard should he impress.

In the weeks and months since there has been significant speculation around the Arsenal no.1 spot, and it was Raya who was given the nod for the trip to Goodison Park, where a clean sheet on his debut helped the Gunners to a 1-0 win over Everton.

Liverpool, UK. 17th Sep, 2023. David Raya of Arsenal starts ahead of Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: Gary Oakley/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

Mikel Arteta himself has played down the idea of a recognised no.1 in north London this season, explaining last month that “We have two great goalkeepers, just like we have two great left wingers, two great holding midfielders, two great strikers. There is no number one - not in any position.”

However, should Ramsdale find himself increasingly sidelined, he won’t be without interested clubs.

According to the Daily Mail, the England man ‘is being closely monitored by rival clubs’ amid ‘doubt over Ramsdale’s position in the head coach’s immediate and long-term plans’.

They add that both Chelsea and Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on the situation, with the latter having tried to sign David Raya over the summer and the Blues still on the hunt for a true no.1 despite signing Robert Sanchez from Brighton in a £25m deal.

With Ramsdale under contract until 2026 with the option of a further year, the Gunners are not under any pressure to part ways with the Englishman, but the report continues that bids over £60m may force Arteta to make a choice over his future.

The England goalkeeper is expected to return to the Arsenal starting lineup for the Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal’s first game back in the Champions League since 2017, but it is unclear who the no.1 will be come the north London derby four days later.