Arsenal are closely monitoring Diant Ramaj and have reportedly placed the goalkeeper on their transfer shortlist as a possible back-up option to David Raya.
Raya, 30, has firmly established himself as Mikel Arteta’s number one having joined the club on a permanent basis in July 2024 following an initial loan spell.
Eyebrows were raised when Raya first arrived through the doors at the Emirates given Aaron Ramsdale’s status with the gloves, but the Spaniard has silenced his doubters and is now considered one of the most complete goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Last summer, Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought in as an understudy to his fellow countryman, with the Gunners triggering the 31-year-old’s £5million release clause at Chelsea.
While Kepa has since made just two appearances for Arsenal, which both came in the Carabao Cup, Spain international is understood to be happy with his position and enjoying life back in capital.
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However, according to reports in Germany, Arsenal’s hierarchy are starting to look ahead to the future and have begun to show a serious interest in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Ramaj, 24, who is impressing on loan at Heidenheim this season.
Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Ramaj on multiple occasions across Heidenheim’s campaign and the Premier League leaders are said to be particularly impressed by the German’s exemplary distribution skills.
The topic was discussed on the True or Not True segment of SPORT BILD’s podcast this weekend, with the newspaper’s Head of Football Christian Falk explaining: ‘Yes, that’s true. Ramaj is on Arsenal’s list.
‘The Heidenheim goalkeeper is actually only on loan from Dortmund, so they [Arsenal] would have to sit down with them.
‘He came in February 2025 for over €5m from Ajax, has a contract until 2029, and yeah, at 24 he’s a good age.’
Falk added: ‘It would be more of a forward-looking option, but certainly an interesting club for Ramaj.’
It remains to be seen what the future has in store for Ramaj when his loan deal with Heidenheim comes to an end in the summer.
Should Gregor Kobel remain at Borussia Dortmund, Ramaj may be forced to find another club in order to guarantee himself regular first-team minutes – in which case, ‘a move to Arsenal could quickly become more concrete’.
Ramaj’s current contract with BVB runs through to June 2029.
‘One thing is certain for me: I have to continue to be on the pitch, get minutes under my belt and match practice,’ Ramaj explained when he left Dortmund to join Heidenheim on loan.
‘That’s why it’s clear to me that I’m not going to sit on the bench in Dortmund.’
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