"The deal is happening" - Journalist says Arsenal star has agreed deal to join PL rivals in the summer
Sky Sports journalist James Green has said that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has reached an agreement to join Newcastle United next season. The Englishman has slipped down the pecking order after the arrival of David Raya last summer.
Ramsdale, 26, has played only 11 times across competitions this season, keeping three clean sheets. Two of those shutouts have come in six games in the Premier League, where the Gunners trail leaders Manchester City by two points with one game remaining.
It's pertinent to note that Ramsdale played a key role for Mikel Arteta's side last season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 43 games across competitions, including 14 in 38 league games, where the Gunners finished second.
However, the arrival of Raya on loan from Brentford in the summer has made Ramsdale seemingly surplus to requirements. Green has reported that the Englishman has now agreed to join the Magpies, as per an aquaintance who spoke with Ramsdale's agent:
“It is my understanding that Aaron Ramsdale has agreed to join Newcastle in the summer. That has come directly from speaking to somebody who I am very close with who has spoken to his agent & he’s said it’s done, the deal is happening.”
Ramsdale has 32 clean sheets in 89 games across competitions for the Gunners since arriving in the summer of 2021 from Sheffield United.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal are in the midst of a superb campaign. Having won the FA Community Shield to open the season, they fell early in both domestic cups but have fared well in the league and in Europe.
The Gunners reached their first UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in 14 years, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, in the league, Mikel Arteta's side kept the title race alive by winning 1-0 at Manchester United before City won their game in hand at Tottenham Hotspur (2-0) to go two points clear.
Arsenal end their season with a home game with Everton on the last day of the season on Sunday (May 19). They need a win and for City to drop points at home to West Ham United on the same day to end their two-decade long league title drought.