Newcastle and Chelsea set to battle for Arsenal signing | OneFootball

Newcastle United and Chelsea are both interested in Aaron Ramsdale this summer, with the Blues also holding an interest in former Gunner Emi Martinez.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates after teammate Declan Rice (not pictured) scores the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on March 09, 2024. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are starting to look at replacements for Aaron Ramsdale, with the goalkeeper expected to leave in the summer.

Newcastle United are reportedly the frontrunners to sign the Arsenal man, but they aren’t the only Premier League club in the race.

TalkSPORT claim Ramsdale is also on Chelsea’s list of potential options for a summer transfer, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also considering a move for former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez of Aston Villa.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Emiliano Martinez and John McGinn of Aston Villa react after the draw in the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on December 22, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

It’s hard to see a justification for Martinez to join Chelsea, as he’s already a first-choice goalkeeper for a club higher in the table and likely to qualify for Champions League football.

The move to Chelsea would be a clear step down in sporting terms, so the only justification would be a significant boost to his wages.

Assuming Martinez doesn’t go for that, Ramsdale could end up becoming a key target for Chelsea as well.

Unlike Martinez, Ramsdale has the incentive of regular minutes at Chelsea, which will be important to him as he fights for a spot in England’s starting lineup over the coming years.

It will be too late to make any difference for Euro 2024, but there’s another World Cup in two years, and the UK & Ireland Euro 2028 tournament after that.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With the rate that Chelsea go through players, Newcastle United would probably be Ramsdale’s preferred choice, and it seems they’re currently the favourites to bring him in.

Arsenal’s pursuit of a couple of Newcastle players in Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes could also help negotiations.

For the time being, both clubs will be focusing on the final games of the season, with Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title and Newcastle aiming to qualify for European competition.