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Arsenal 'add Champions League winner' to list of Aaron Ramsdale replacements

By Carter White | 12 June 2024

Arsenal 'add Champions League winner' to list of Ramsdale replacements

Arsenal are reportedly keen on Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, with current second-choice stopper Aaron Ramsdale preparing to leave the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin as a replacement for the out-of-favour Aaron Ramsdale.

The 26-year-old started the 2023-24 campaign as first choice at the Emirates, however a change in direction from head coach Mikel Arteta and the arrival of a Brentford loanee turned the Englishman's footballing world upside down.

Spaniard David Raya quickly assumed the role of first-choice keeper in North London, meaning that Ramsdale was limited to just six Premier League appearances last term.

Despite this, the former Sheffield United stopper has been selected as part of England's 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany, with Gareth Southgate seeing Ramsdale as a suitable backup to Jordan Pickford in between the sticks.

That being said, Ramsdale started the Three Lions' final warm-up fixture before they left for the major tournament last week, when Iceland came to Wembley and recorded a shock 1-0 victory.

Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin and Aurelien Tchouameni react after the match on April 30, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal keen on Real Madrid's Lunin?

According to Spanish outlet COPE, Arsenal could be turning to the European champions for a Ramsdale replacement during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Gunners are one of a host of top European sides who are keen on securing the services of Real Madrid's Lunin ahead of the new campaign.

Lunin has played a large role in Los Blancos' La Liga and Champions League successes this term, making 31 appearances across all competitions.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed his busiest season at Madrid in terms of game time due to the serious injury sustained by first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois in 2023, with the Belgian missing nine months of action due to an ACL injury.

It is understood that Carlo Ancelotti's side have offered the Ukrainian extended terms to his current contract which would commit him to the Bernabeu club until 2029.

Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow on March 16, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal 'competing with Liverpool' for goalkeeping targets

With news that Arsenal could be willing to loan Ramsdale elsewhere for the 2024-25 term emerging, it is clear that the Gunners' search for a new keeper needs to be multifaceted.

It is also believed that Arteta's troops are admirers of Feyenoord stopper Justin Bijlow, who is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

Arsenal are set to face serious competition in a potential pursuit of the two-time Eredivisie winner, though, with Liverpool also credited with an interest in the player.

That should really come as no surprise considering that incoming Reds boss Arne Slot has just spent the last three years coaching Bijlow at the Pride of the South.