Newcastle United reportedly want to complete a deal for Joe Willock this summer, with rumours of Freddie Woodman going the other way to Arsenal.
However, that option might be off the table after an update from the Athletic on the Gunners’ pursuit of a goalkeeper.
Arsenal have reportedly held talks about signing Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, which may end talk of Woodman leaving Newcastle for the Emirates.
The Toon goalkeeper has a big summer ahead of him. Woodman has spent the last two seasons on loan at Swansea, narrowly missing out on promotion on both occasions.
The next step for Woodman would be Premier League experience. However, he seems unlikely to get that ahead of Martin Dubravka or Karl Darlow.
Interestingly, Woodman has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park.
According to the Chronicle, Southampton and Arsenal are both keen, with the latter holding an interest for a number of years.
And it is Arsenal’s alleged interest which brings us back to Ramsdale.
Will Arsenal’s reported Ramsdale move end their interest in Woodman?
According to the Athletic, the Gunners have held talks with Sheffield United about a deal for the 23-year-old.
They state that the money that Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay for Ramsdale suggests that he could have a big future at the Emirates in the coming years.
But where does that leave Woodman?
He’s actually a year older than Ramsdale at 24. Considering Arsenal already have Bernd Leno as well, a move for Woodman alongside Ramsdale would seem excessive.
It wouldn’t make sense for either parties. Woodman would still be third choice, just at a different club.
If Arsenal are really pressing ahead with a deal for Ramsdale, it seems like there is no chance of Woodman heading down south.
But could that also have an impact on Newcastle’s pursuit of Willock?
Reported Woodman plus cash deal for Willock might no longer be an option for Newcastle
It has been claimed by the Chronicle that the Magpies could offer Arsenal cash plus Woodman to bring Willock back to St James’ Park.
If Arsenal are after Ramsdale instead, then it removes the possibility of Newcastle completing a player plus cash deal for Willock. Instead, they’ll have to pay the full fee that Arsenal want.
It’s highly unlikely that Newcastle will offer any other players. And other than Allan Saint-Maximin, who else would Arsenal want?
I can hardly see them desperate to bring Joelinton to the Emirates…
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