Arsenal considering move for Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj

Arsenal hold an interest in Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.

At the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Aaron Ramsdale started as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Gunners, regardless of the loan acquisition of David Raya from Brentford. After a few underwhelming displays, he was dropped from the first XI and Raya was given the chance to impress. While Raya hasn’t been extraordinary in any circumstances, Mikel Arteta has continued to keep faith in the Spaniard after September’s international break.

Unsurprisingly, Ramsdale is not happy with his situation at Arsenal and may consider leaving at the end of the season. Chelsea are understood to be admirers of the England international. As a result, the Gunners are reportedly monitoring Ajax’s Diant Ramaj ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Ramaj, 22, arrived at Ajax from Eintracht Frankfurt amid a huge reputation last summer, although he hasn’t managed to live up to the high expectations in the Eredivisie so far. That is largely because of the overall form of Ajax since the start of the campaign, and the Dutch giants’ struggles on the pitch have largely affected the 22-year-old shot-stopper’s form and confidence. Yet, clubs across Europe haven’t stopped keeping a close watch on him.

Arsenal view Ramaj as Ramsdale’s replacement

Ramsdale is understood to be unhappy with his permanent back-up status to Raya, and unless things change, he would be keen on an exit in the summer. Ramaj could replace Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium should he leave, with the Gunners liking the German youth international since his Frankfurt days.

Good on the ball, quick on his line and capable of initiating attacks from the back, Ramaj is exactly the kind of goalkeeper Mikel Arteta wants in his squad. The only area that would need improving is his handling. He could cost around €15m and it is likely Ajax would cash in if a bid is tabled.

Ramaj is considered a goalkeeper with huge potential to develop in the future, and there could be a bidding war for him in the summer. He could be brought in to compete with Raya for the No.1 spot next term.

The Gunners signed Raya on a season-long loan deal from Brentford with an option to buy for around £27 million. They are likely to trigger the buy option and make the Spaniard’s stay permanent in June, as Arteta aims to have two top goalkeepers in his ranks from the start of the 2024/25 campaign.