Chelsea set sights on Arsenal star who admits he's 'concerned' with lack of game time: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who has lost his place as Mikel Arteta's No.1 this season.
According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs (via The Sun), the Blues may look to take advantage of Ramsdale's situation at the Emirates. The English shot-stopper has been displaced by David Raya as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old has three years left on his contract and was a standout performer for Arsenal last season. He made 41 appearances across competitions, keeping 15 clean sheets.
However, Ramsdale has only made six appearances across competitions this season, keeping two clean sheets. He last started in the Premier League in mid-September and he's growing concerned about his lack of game time.
Ramsdale voiced his concerns ahead of next year's European Championships with England. He said:
"Yes, of course (it's concerning), it is the first time I have found myself in this situation."
Chelsea could now make a move for the former Bournemouth goalkeeper who missed the two London rivals' 2-2 draw on Saturday (October 21). The Gunners man was absent due to the birth of his and partner Georgina's baby boy on Friday.
Mauricio Pochettino brought Robert Sanchez to Stamford Bridge in the summer for £25 million. However, the Spaniard is yet to truly shine with the west Londoners.
Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in August 2021 for £30 million. He is looking to challenge Jordan Pickford for England's No.1 jersey at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Mikel Arteta backs former Chelsea star Kai Havertz to come good at Arsenal
Kai Havertz made the short trip across London to join Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer for £67.5 million. The German attacker signed a five-year deal with the Gunners but has struggled to impress thus far.
The 24-year-old has been handed a midfield role by Arteta after spending much of his time at Stamford Bridge as a false 9. He's managed one goal and one assist in 13 games across competitions. The jury is out on whether the north Londoners overpaid for Havertz given his shaky start.
Still, Arteta has backed Havertz to reach expectations after he was asked whether the signing came from his past success in the UEFA Champions League. The Germany international scored the winner in Chelsea's 1-0 win against Manchester City in the 2020-21 final (via Arsenal's official website):
"That’s certainly one of the reasons, plus quality and the number of things he has already done in his career at his age, and then to improve the starting XI as well because he has tremendous quality, and that is going to help us to be better."
Havertz endured a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 as one of the most exciting European attacking talents. He managed 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 games for the Blues.