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Aaron Ramsdale could be forgiven for being desperate to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Arsenal goalkeeper lost his starting berth to David Raya last season, who has now been signed on a permanent basis by the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta has not even afforded the shot-stopper a single minute of pre-season action since he returned to North London following his summer exploits with England at Euro 2024.
Ajax recently made an offer for Ramsdale, but they were knocked back by the Gunners, who would rather let the 26-year-old go in a permanent sale rather than an on a loan basis, as was proposed by the Dutch outfit.
However, finding a suitor willing to take Ramsdale on a permanent basis this summer may not be straightforward.
Financial situation impacting Arsenal options for Aaron Ramsdale
Whilst the Gunners’ own finances are in good order, issues affecting other clubs could make it tricky for sporting director Edu to find a viable suitor for the ‘keeper.
According to football finance expert Adam Williams, speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider: “Arsenal don’t have any PSR issues, so I don’t believe they will treat Ramsdale’s permanent exit with huge urgency if the fee is not right.
“Yes, it makes sense for him to leave so both parties can have a clean break. But I don’t think the club will compromise on the fee to ensure that transition when they could likely save his wages by loaning him out for the season in any case, then reassess the permanent sale market when there is more liquidity.
“At the moment, the lack of huge Saudi money in the transfer system plus the economic problems in French football means there is not as much money sloshing about as there has been in previous summers. Clubs will be hoping that the market is revitalised again by next year.”
Whilst Saudi Arabia may not have been a destination for Ramsdale himself, the actions of free-spending Saudi clubs in recent windows have stimulated a level of wider business that has been largely absent this summer.
The same can be said of the financial issues currently constricting the French market.
Williams continued: “A permanent sale is Arsenal’s preference in any case. And it’s easy to see why. It gives them more certainty in terms of costs, as well as the ability to plan both strategically and financially.”
What will Arsenal do if Ramsdale leaves?
If Ramsdale does leave the club this summer, Arteta will have a problem to solve, as there is no other established back up for Raya in the squad. Even Karl Hein has left Arsenal on loan, having provided a third choice option last season.
Ramsdale’s exit would leave the Gunners desperate for an immediate and direct replacement, which is perhaps another factor in the club’s lack of urgency when it comes to finding a move for the player.
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