Newcastle are looking at £120k-a-week Arsenal player now, but there’s a major problem

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Aaron Ramsdale is being talked up as a potential Newcastle United signing in January, but it sounds like the Magpies might have an issue.

Eddie Howe’s first issue arose when Nick Pope got injured against Manchester United. He dislocated his shoulder, and is now going to be out of action for the next few months.

It is a huge blow to lose Pope, as he was at the top of his game before the injury.

Martin Dubravka has taken his place in goal, and has so far struggled to fill the void left by the England international.

That has led to speculation that Newcastle could sign a goalkeeper when the transfer window opens, with David De Gea heavily linked. He is currently a free agent after being released by Manchester United.

Another option is Aaron Ramsdale, who is currently resigned to the Arsenal bench. He has been dropped by Mikel Arteta this season, and is finding it impossible to get back in the team – despite his replacement David Raya struggling himself.

That has led to speculation that Newcastle United could make a move for the 25-year-old, who Eddie Howe has signed before back when he was Bournemouth manager.

A reunion is being rumoured, but a new update from TalkSPORT has suggested that it will not happen in January.

Newcastle do not have the money needed to buy Aaron Ramsdale

According to TalkSPORT, Newcastle are keeping an eye on Ramsdale’s current situation at Arsenal. However, they add that the Magpies are currently unable to afford a permanent deal for the Gunners’ number one.

The report from TalkSPORT adds that Arsenal might not let him leave the Emirates Stadium anyway, with Chelsea also interested.

Given the fact that Newcastle are already slightly hamstrung by FFP, it is no surprise to hear that the club can’t afford to sign Ramsdale permanently in the near future. The Magpies have other areas they need to address, which means they need to be sparing with whatever January transfer budget they have got.

Ramsdale certainly would not be cheap. Arsenal paid £24million for him in 2021, while he recently signed a new contract with the club that increased his wages to £120,000-a-week.

Those kind of figures are not going to work for Newcastle, who merely need a stopgap while they wait for Pope to recover from injury.

In truth, I’m glad there isn’t enough cash to bring Ramsdale to St James’ Park. We could have all the money in the world, and I still don’t think he would be a good addition to this squad.

But if Newcastle are serious about signing a goalkeeper in January, they need to go for someone who is a free agent like De Gea, or tap into the loan market.