Chelsea are reportedly considering a January move for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale amid concerns over Robert Sanchez.
Ramsdale arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Sheffield United for around £30m in the summer of 2021 and established himself as the Gunners' undisputed number one in his first two seasons at the club, keeping 30 clean sheets across 80 appearances.
However, the 25-year-old has since lost his starting spot this term to summer signing David Raya and has played in just one of Arsenal's last eight games across all competitions.
Ramsdale was initially dropped by head coach Mikel Arteta after a 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United at the beginning of September and he has since been forced to watch on from the bench in every top-flight match.
Raya has failed to set the world alight since securing his spot between the sticks, though, conceding six goals in as many games and well as enduring a few shaky displays including one in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea last weekend.
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Nevertheless, Raya seems to be Arteta's preferred number-one goalkeeper as things stand, increasing uncertainty over the long-term future of new number two Ramsdale.
Ramsdale recently acknowledged that his place in the England setup could come under threat if he fails to gain regular first-team football at Arsenal, with the goalkeeper targeting a spot in Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad for Euro 2024.
The Stoke-on-Trent-born shot-stopper is allegedly in no rush to make a decision on his future in North London, but with the January transfer window edging ever closer, a move away from the Emirates has been mooted.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via The Mirror, Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea are looking to take advantage of Ramsdale's situation and make a move for the goalkeeper in the New Year.
Jacobs adds that the Blues have identified Ramsdale as a possible target amid concerns over current number one Sanchez.
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Sanchez only joined Chelsea in the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion for around £20m, penning a seven-year contract until June 2030.
The Spaniard has since started all 11 games for Mauricio Pochettino's side in all domestic tournaments, but he has kept just four clean sheets and was at fault for Arsenal's first goal scored by Declan Rice in the aforementioned 2-2 draw last weekend.
Chelsea are understood to view Ramsdale, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich, as an upgrade to Sanchez, but they are aware that Arsenal may be unwilling to let their English shot-stopper join a Premier League rival.
Ramsdale missed the draw with Chelsea as his wife, Georgina, gave birth to their first son on Friday, but the goalkeeper is in contention to play for Arsenal in Tuesday's Champions League contest against Sevilla.
Oliver Thomas
