Aaron Ramsdale douses rumours of Newcastle United transfer | OneFootball

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale took to social media to address the speculation linking him with a big-money move to Newcastle United.

With talks of a switch to St James’ Park making headlines in recent weeks, he felt the urge to share his stance on the matter, posting on the social platform X that it was ‘news to me.’

It might have been Ramsdale’s way to keep things quiet ahead of the Gunners’ season-defining final-day clash against Everton amid their nail-biting Premier League tussle with Manchester City.

However, something must be going on behind the scenes.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been in the market to strengthen the goalkeeping department since December when first-choice stopper Nick Pope succumbed to a long-term shoulder injury.

Pope’s absence left Howe with Martin Dubravka as the only reliable option between the sticks, significantly compromising the Magpies’ chances of securing back-to-back top-four finishes.

Despite several eye-catching performances, the veteran goalkeeper has failed to live up to expectations and will be allowed to leave in the coming months.

Ramsdale to Newcastle makes sense

When Ramsdale penned a new long-term contract at Arsenal in May last year, he couldn’t have imagined he would spend next season playing second fiddle to anyone.

But the Gunners seized the opportunity to sign David Raya from Brentford for £30 million last summer, pushing the ex-Bournemouth goalkeeper to the fringes.

Arteta’s decision to bench Ramsdale for Raya has paid off, as the Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Glove award in his first season with the club after registering 16 clean sheets in 31 games.

For a player of Ramsdale’s quality and stature, it’s unacceptable to be a benchwarmer, so a move to Newcastle would be a win-win solution for all parties.

Howe is familiar with the Englishman’s ability as he brought him to Bournemouth when he was in charge.

Price tag a sticking point

As much as Howe would appreciate a reunion with Ramsdale, Newcastle are unwilling to come anywhere near Arsenal’s £45 million asking price.

It makes even less sense to splurge such a figure on a player who spent a whole year on the bench after being deemed surplus to requirements by his employers.

Ramsdale’s hefty wages should also be taken into account, with last year’s extension making sure the English star earns nearly £6m a year until 2026.

However, if the Magpies can negotiate a deal on more favourable terms, Howe would solve a glaring issue, as he’d have two top-class goalkeepers at his disposal.

Sweet troubles

Having Ramsdale and Pope in the same squad would be a dream, but only one can be a first-choice option.

Ramsdale’s history with Howe goes way back, but what Pope has done for Newcastle since joining the club in 2022 has been outstanding.

Both keepers have been knocking on the England national team’s door at one point, yet Everton’s Jordan Henderson is still Gareth Southgate’s favourite.

Pope is about to return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and only time will tell how the injury has affected his ability to contribute effectively to his team.

On that basis, Ramsdale could dislodge the ex-Burnley man from Newcastle’s starting XI.