Arsenal reject approach from European giants for Aaron Ramsdale as Premier League clubs circle
Arsenal have turned down a advance from Ajax for Aaron Ramsdale, talkSPORT understands.
The European giants had proposed an initial loan spell for the goalkeeper, who has been at the club since 2021.
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He became Arsenal's most expensive goalkeeper when they signed him from Sheffield United back, as they dished out £30 million to secure him.
He has since made 89 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, winning the Community Shield with them in 2023.
But Ramsdale found himself pushed down the pecking order following the arrival of David Raya from Brentford on loan in August 2023.
He made just six appearances in the Premier League last season and has not featured in Arsenal's two pre-season friendlies at the Emirates.
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Raya's place at Arsenal has since been made permanent with him set to remain the preferred starter for the future now.
It means Ramsdale is now high on the list of potential exits this summer having drawn marked interest elsewhere.
Ajax, the 36-time Eredivisie champions have now made their hopes clear after making an approach.
However, Arsenal are not keen for Ramsdale to leave on a loan agreement, making Ajax's initial propositions unattractive.
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They would prefer the keeper to leave on a permanent deal instead this transfer window and are also understood to have lined up Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia as his potential replacement.
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Given that Ajax's interest in Ramsdale has not been killed off by the initial deal failure, it is possible that another offer could soon come Arsenal's way before long.
Moreover, as talkSPORT reported last week, the England goalkeeper has also attracted interest from more than one club across the Premier League.
Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Southampton have also placed Ramsdale high up on their wish lists this summer as they look to sign another shot-stopper.
Former Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman urges Aaron Ramsdale to stay at Arsenal in January and compete with David Raya
Throughout last season, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had repeatedly expressed how crucially he viewed Ramsdale's role in the team.
But in spite of that, Arsenal have now made themselves open to advances for the keeper.
"This is a team sport and that needs the 24 players that you have to fulfil a role,"; Arteta had said back in November. "The role that you have in August might be very different to the one you have in March. Making early decisions in my experience is not something good at all.
"The team has certain needs that have to be accomplished and in order to do that you cannot do it with six, 10 or 14 players - it is impossible. You need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team.
Aaron Ramsdale Premier League appearances
Arsenal, 2021/22 - 34 appearances, 12 clean sheets
Arsenal, 2022/23 - 38 appearances, 14 clean sheets
Arsenal, 2023/24 - 6 appearances, 2 clean sheets
David Raya Premier League appearances
Brentford, 2021/22 - 24 appearances, 8 clean sheets
Brentford, 2022/23 - 38 appearances, 12 clean sheets
Arsenal, 2023/24 - 32 appearances, 16 clean sheets
"I have no messages for any clubs (thinking of making a move for Ramsdale). I can talk about my players, how much I like them and how much I like Aaron. We want him with us, that’s for sure."
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