Chelsea are preparing to ramp up their interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the wake of Robert Sanchez’s injury, according to reports.
The Blues No 1 was forced off with a knee injury in Chelsea’s most recent Premier League clash with Everton, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino hinted that the former Brighton goalkeeper would miss the entirety of the festive period ahead of the side’s match against Sheffield United on Saturday.
‘When you suffer an injury and lose your No 1 keeper so far, it is a player we are going to miss but we have other players that are working hard to be ready when this type of thing happens,’ Pochettino said on Friday. ‘Of course very sad because we are going to lose a player for a few weeks.’
In his stead, Chelsea will promote untested former MLS ‘keeper Djordje Petrovic and hope the 24-year-old rises to the occasion.
Last season’s No 1, Kepa Arrizabalaga, is currently on loan at Real Madrid and questions have previously been raised about the thinness of the west London club’s squad in the position.
Aaron Ramsdale is thought to be firmly on Chelsea’s radar ahead of January transfer window
The England international has spent large swathes of Arsenal’s league season on the bench
The Blues have to contend with the loss of their No 1 ‘keeper Robert Sanchez for four weeks
But as per talkSPORT, Pochettino’s side could look north to bolster their ranks in a January move for Ramsdale.
Mail Sport previously reported that Chelsea had earmarked the England international in October, but Pochettino is thought to be increasingly keen to sign players with Premier League experience after a lacklustre start to the season.
At the Emirates, Ramsdale has all but lost his place permanently to summer signing David Raya.
Whilst Mikel Arteta announced his signing from Brentford with a public statement that he would consider rotating the two goalkeepers, Arteta has since heavily favoured his Spanish compatriot.
Ramsdale was handed his first Champions League start in Arsenal’s dead rubber against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, but has made just five Premier League starts since the start of the club’s campaign.
Djordje Petrovic had his first Premier League minutes in Chelsea’s defeat against Everton
Ramsdale has been in competition for his place with new recruit David Raya – with the Spain international often heavily favoured
Ramsdale’s last Premier League start came against Brentford at the end of November
Should Ramsdale leave the club, Arsenal would have 21-year-old Estonian Karl Hein in reserve
The majority of these came at the beginning of the season, although Ramsdale was called up to face Raya’s former club Brentford in their 1-0 victory in November.
Chelsea could face competition in the race for Ramsdale’s signature from Newcastle, who are also undergoing a goalkeeper crisis.
Following an injury to Nick Pope that will keep the ‘keeper out for up to four months, Eddie Howe is expected to comb the market to ensure depth in the position for the second-half of the season – with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea thought to be on his shortlist.
However, despite growing interest from Premier League rivals, Arsenal may be loath to sell Ramsdale, with former academy player Karl Hein the only option in reserve should Raya become unavailable.
