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Lucas Arnold
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- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Arsenal will not stand in the way of one of their stars leaving the club this summer, amid interest from London rivals Chelsea.
It promises to be a summer of change for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, despite all that the club have achieved this season.
Working closely with Edu Gaspar, the Arsenal manager has created an incredibly strong squad, and is blessed with options when all are fit.
However, that level of competition means that several members of the squad are on the periphery of things, players too good not to be starting games in some cases.
And to that description, TBR Football understands that Arsenal have now told Aaron Ramsdale that they will not stand in his way from leaving the club this summer.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The 25-year-old England international was relegated to second choice after David Raya arrived on loan from Brentford last August.
Arsenal have told Aaron Ramsdale he is free to leave this summer amid Chelsea interest
Raya’s move will be made permanent in the summer – something that has already been confirmed to the Spanish international.
When Raya first arrived at the club, TBR understands that Ramsdale was willing to fight for his place, but it quickly became clear that he would be second choice.
As a result of the situation Ramsdale is now ready to leave and sources have confirmed to TBR that there is mounting interest in the goalkeeper.
TBR can confirm that Chelsea, who are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, appreciate Ramsdale’s qualities and are keeping close tabs on the situation.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of the former Bournemouth goalkeeper.
However, given Newcastle’s issues with the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, a deal would currently appear unlikely.
Aaron Ramsdale would be willing to move aboard
Wolves and Bournemouth are also interested in a move for Ramsdale, but Arsenal’s price tag may end up proving prohibitive for both clubs, with the north London side likely to demand in excess of £30m.
Sources close to Ramsdale have confirmed that a move abroad is something the goalkeeper would consider, realising that a number one spot in England may not be available.
Of course, this news begs the question as to who Arsenal would then seek to replace Ramsdale in the summer.
It would be a surprise if Arteta didn’t seek a goalkeeper intended to compete with Raya, such is the competitive environment he looked to create this season.
But it will perhaps be difficult to find a player who has the necessary skills to push Raya, whilst also not feeling aggrieved at sitting on the bench.
All that being said, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino completely disagreed with something he was told about Arsenal last night.
The post Exclusive: £30m player has been told he can leave Arsenal this summer, he's ready to go appeared first on TBR Football.
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