Chelsea could make shock move for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale – Paper Round

Chelsea could make a shock move for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, it has been reported.

Ramsdale has lost his starting place to summer signing David Raya despite playing a starring role on his debut season at the Emirates, and now speculation suggests Mauricio Pochettino’s side could make a bid for him.

“Journalist Ben Jacobs says that Chelsea hope to take advantage of Ramsdale’s situation across the capital and sign the ex-Bournemouth ace.

“However, there could be a number of hurdles to overcome for Chelsea in order to get his signature. Arteta would firstly no doubt be reluctant to sell to a rival and he may also have plans to restore Ramsdale to his starting line-up.

“Bayern Munich are also understood to be monitoring Ramsdale’s situation – with his contract running until 2026.”

Bayern Munich reportedly want to reunite Harry Kane with former Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier.

Dier has yet to make an appearance for Spurs since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival and has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.

“The Englishman was linked to a summer exit but pleaded to stay and fight for his place on the Aussie’s squad.

“According to German outlet Bild, Tuchel aims to recruit a centre-back in January with Chelsea’s Chalobah said to be his No1 target.

“But it is now unlikely for the defender to make a move to Germany in the new year as Bayern bosses are against the transfer.

“Now the German boss is looking at other defensive options and Dier is set to be on the cards, the report claims.

“There will be good recommendations on Dier from newcomer and close pal Kane.

“Dier’s contract is set to expire next summer and Bayern may put in a pre-contract agreement to sign the defender for free next summer.

“But with Tuchel’s side in an injury crisis with five players out on the sidelines, he could target a January move instead for a small fee.”

Liverpool will “step up their long-term interest” in Goncalo Inacio in an attempt to beat Manchester United to the young Sporting CP defender.

“Inacio is represented by Miguel Pinho, the agent who also represents Bruno Fernandes and negotiated the deal that took the playmaker to Old Trafford in January 2020. However, it is understood that neither agent nor Sporting will be interested in a winter move this season.”

Inacio, 22, has four caps for his country and has stood out in Sporting’s defence, helping the club to the top of the Primeira Liga standings after eight games unbeaten.

Chelsea are interested in a swap deal with Barcelona, with Ian Maatsen potentially heading to Camp Nou and 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi heading in the opposite direction.

Maatsen, who spent last season on loan with Burnley in the Championship, has reportedly attracted the interest of the Catalan giants.

The article continues: “With Chelsea eyeing up a move for Cubarsi, Barcelona may be tempted to use him as a sweetener in a bid to bring Maatsen to the club. According to Spanish publication Sport, Chelsea pushed to sign the 16-year-old in the summer before he opted to extend his stay with Barcelona.

“The report claims the player was tempted by the prospect of joining Chelsea and that the Blues are still keen on him and would be more than willing to pay his £13m release clause.

“But Chelsea could save themselves the money and open up swap deal talks with Barcelona. Maatsen, who has been used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino this season, playing just 83 minutes of Premier League action, would likely fetch a price of at least £30m, meaning Chelsea could demand a fee in the region of £20m plus Cubarsi to strike a deal with Barcelona.”

Cubarsi has played five games for Barcelona B so far this season and is thought to have a bright future ahead of him.