Arsenal REJECT approach from European giants for England star Aaron Ramsdale… but Gunners identify replacement

ARSENAL have rejected a transfer approach for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has been relegated to the No2 spot at the Emirates since the arrival of David Raya, who has now become a permanent signing after initially arriving on loan from Brentford last summer.

ReutersArsenal have rejected a loan approach from Ajax for Aaron Ramsdale[/caption]

The former Sheffield United and Bournemouth shot-stopper has been linked with a transfer away this summer, with interest from Premier League sides such as Southampton.

However, the Gunners have now rejected an approach to sign Ramsdale from Ajax.

According to The Athletic, the Dutch giants offered to take the England goalkeeper on loan.

But the deal was rejected due to it not suiting the north London side, who would prefer a permanent deal should Ramsdale depart this summer.

Ramsdale’s focus remains on playing first-team football, and the report adds his situation should develop over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Arsenal transfer chiefs have wasted no time in identifying his possible replacement.

Should Ramsdale leave, they will look to replenish Mikel Arteta‘s squad with 23-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Garcia was part of the Spain squad which won Olympic gold in the football this summer, but failed to make an appearance as he was third choice behind Arnau Tenas and Alejandro Iturbe, who played five and one match at the Paris Games respectively.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

He spent the first half of last season on the bench for the LaLiga2 side before emerging into the first team in the final 14 games of the regular season before they secured promotion to the top flight via the play-offs.

While in net he conceded just seven goals and had the best save rate in the division with an 82.5 per cent save percentage with 2.86 shots on target against him per 90.

Comparatively in the 2022/23 season when Ramsdale was the No1 for Arsenal, he had a save rate of 70.6 per cent with 3.58 shots on target against him per 90.

Garcia also trumps Ramsdale in numbers when it comes to sweeping, with 1.64 defensive actions outside of his area per 90 minutes compared to 1.13.

Although Ramsdale actions were done at an average larger distance of 16.1 yards from goal to Garcia’s at an average distance of 13.7 yards.

Arsenal remain in the market for some attacking additions after bringing in Riccardo Calafiori to sure up their defence.

Meanwhile, Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah is on the for sale list following the sale of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham.

The Gunners kick off their campaign against Wolves on Saturday.

SplashEspanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been lined up as Ramsdale’s potential replacement[/caption]

Arsenal have a tricky start to the season

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates