With Nick Pope out, Newcastle are favourites to land Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale

Nick Pope has been a significant part of Newcastle’s improving fortunes since he joined from Burnley. The news that he’s out for up to five months will be a big blow to Eddie Howe’s hopes of challenging for trophies and qualifying for the Champions League again this season.

Pope’s injury has sparked speculation that Newcastle could swoop for the out-of-favour Aaron Ramsdale. The fellow Englishman has found game time hard to come by since Mikel Arteta switched to David Raya between the sticks. Bookmakers are now offering 5/1 on Ramsdale to move to the north-east in January.

Pope and Ramsdale have competed for England places for the last few years. There have even been calls for both of them to replace Jordan Pickford as England’s starting goalkeeper on multiple occasions.

Ramsdale is a similar mould of goalkeeper to Pope. He’s an outstanding shot-stopper and commands his area well. His weakness is distribution, much like Pope. His lack of ability with his feet may have seen him dropped at Arsenal, but it would be less of an issue in Eddie Howe’s system.

There have been conflicting reports, but it seems that Arsenal would be reluctant to let Ramsdale leave in January, especially for a club competing near the top of the Premier League. It may be down to him to force a move if he wants regular playing time and to feature in the England squad for the upcoming Euros.

Attractive

A loan move for Ramsdale may be the most attractive option for both sides. Arsenal will not want to let a talented goalkeeper go to a side they compete with, but if Ramsdale wants out, a loan move would allow them to reassess the situation in the summer. It would also cover for Pope’s injury without Newcastle having to spend a significant fee.

Newcastle could stick with their current backup Martin Dúbravka. He’s been a solid servant for the Magpies, starting 118 games over a six-year career in the northeast. They’ve also been linked to David De Gea, who remains a free agent following his departure from Manchester United in the summer. 

Despite their lengthy injury list, Newcastle are still in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Adding a goalkeeper of Ramsdale’s quality would more than cover for Pope’s absence. His addition, however, would be costly.

Selected related betting odds:

• Aaron Ramsdale to make England’s Euro 2024 squad – 1/6 
• Aaron Ramsdale to join Newcastle in January – 5/1
• Aaron Ramsdale to win Premier League Golden Glove – 80/1
• Newcastle to finish top 4 – 6/4
• Newcastle to win the FA Cup – 10/1

Odds sourced by your-bonus-codes at 15:30 on 6th December and are subject to change.