‘Chelsea line up Aaron Ramsdale deal’, journalist reveals key clause
Chelsea are in a major fight to secure Champions League football this season – a battle which could have big implications for their summer transfer plans.
The Blues sit seventh in the Premier League table under Enzo Maresca but have been plagued by goalkeeping errors in the 2024-25 campaign.
Robert Sanchez started this season as the first-choice shot-stopper for the Italian but has been dropped in recent weeks with Filip Jorgensen replacing him between the sticks.
Sanchez made a series of costly errors for Chelsea in the lead up to his axing, but Jorgensen also made a critical mistake as Aston Villa’s Marco Asensio scored the winner against Maresca’s side on Saturday (22 February).
Ramsdale is ‘long-standing’ Chelsea target
Alex Crook of talkSPORT has claimed (25 February) Chelsea have a “long-standing interest” in Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale – who only joined the Saints last summer (2024).
However, Ivan Juric’s side are heading for the Championship and Crook claims the England international has a relegation clause in his contract at St Mary’s Stadium.
Bournemouth have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Ramsdale, who was previously relegated with the Cherries in a spell between 2017 and 2020.
| Starts | 20 |
| Goals conceded | 43 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
The 26-year-old has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Southampton this term with injuries limiting his involvement.
He is under contract until June 2028 but may be keen on a Premier League return with England likely to play at the World Cup next year (2026).
Ramsdale deal could prove shrewd business for Chelsea
Football Insider Verdict
Ramsdale may be on course for his third Premier League relegation but that should be no reason for Chelsea to put off signing the shot-stopper.
The former Arsenal ace has experience in international football and in Europe – and would be a level above any of their goalkeeping signings in recent years.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (4 February) that Chelsea held talks over signing a new goalkeeper in January but could not find a suitable target.
A new signing between the sticks is a clear priority for the London giants and even more so if they return to the Champions League next season.
Chelsea also have young duo Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders out on loan at Strasbourg and KRC Genk respectively – with the former earning rave reviews for his performances in France – but it is unlikely either player can make the grade at Stamford Bridge quite yet.
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