Aaron Ramsdale has lost out on the starting goalkeeper job at Arsenal, with David Raya having assumed the role this season.
Raya joined the Gunners in the summer from Brentford, and it didn't take long before Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta favoured the on-loan 'keeper in his starting XI. That leaves Ramsdale to watch most matches from the bench, which is a blow to the 25-year-old who had been the North London club's No. 1 since his move to the Emirates in 2021.
Ramsdale's situation has led to transfer speculation, with Chelsea among the clubs linked to the England international.
With the January transfer window about to open and just months until Euro 2024, there may not be a better time for Ramsdale to move than over the next few weeks.
However, Arsenal may fight to keep the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United man in their ranks, as Arteta values depth at all positions for the Premier League-leading side. Ultimately it may not be Arsenal's call, says one of their former players.
"I can’t see Arsenal happily sanctioning Ramsdale’s sale in January," Jermaine Pennant told Genting Casino.
"Would they stop it if he started banging on the manager's door demanding a move? That’s a different question because the reason Arteta signed Raya was because he wanted to have two number one keepers.
"If Ramsdale were to leave, that defeats the object of what Arteta said he wanted at the football club. I don’t think Arteta would stop him from leaving if he really, really wanted to go. Arteta won’t want a player in his squad that doesn’t want to be there.
"What happens with Ramsdale in January is down to him. Does he want to play week-in, week-out until the end of the season to guarantee a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad? If he does, then I’m sure there’s going to be a conversation happening between Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale very soon."