West Ham is a club that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale would be keen on joining this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said that the England international is looking to stay in the Premier League if he leaves the Emirates, and a switch to the Hammers could be a possibility:
“I think that West Ham could be an option for Ramsdale. Even though Areola has had a very good season, he’s in his early 30s, Ramsdale is a bit younger, West Ham might be tempted, and there will definitely be some European interest as well, if Ramsdale does choose to move abroad, but his preference is to stay in the Premier League.”
“That’s why I think that something might develop with West Ham, we’ll have to wait and see, of course. 30/31/32 is not necessarily as old compared to a player for a goalkeeper. And that’s why West Ham are kind of happy enough with Areola and Fabianski.”
Ramsdale is frustrated at his lack of playing opportunities
The 25-year-old has not played a single minute since the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup third-round tie almost two months ago.
Following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford, Ramsdale has barely got a look in and it is widely believed that he will seek to leave Arsenal at the end of the season in the search for first-team football.
Do West Ham need another goalkeeper?
While Jacobs suggests that the Hammers may be looking for a new No.1, that is unlikely to be the case. Alphonse Areola is only 31 years of age, which is still pretty young for a goalkeeper.
When you also consider the Frenchman’s outstanding recent form, you can’t see the club spending a sizeable sum on someone like Ramsdale.
In September last year, when Chelsea and Newcastle were linked with the shot-stopper, it was reported that Arsenal were demanding as much as £60m. That is not a price that West Ham would consider paying.