Former Arsenal star Ian Wright has pointed out a significant mistake Chelsea made by not pursuing Aaron Ramsdale last summer.
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With Chelsea looking to improve their defense, Wright believes Ramsdale could have been the perfect fit for the club.
Ramsdale’s Arsenal Exit and Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity
Ramsdale had been a reliable figure for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, securing two strong seasons as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, following the arrival of David Raya in August 2023, Ramsdale found himself on the bench.
This led the 26-year-old to seek a move to Southampton in hopes of securing more regular game time and keeping his spot in the England squad.
Wright feels that Chelsea missed an opportunity to strengthen their squad by not pursuing Ramsdale when he was available.
Reflecting on Chelsea’s performance, he noted that the club’s offensive game is already in good shape, with players like Jadon Sancho and Cole Palmer impressing.
However, Wright pointed out that Chelsea’s defense is still a weak link, and a quality goalkeeper would help balance the team.
Robert Sanchez and Chelsea’s Defensive Woes
Despite bringing in Filip Jorgensen, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made Robert Sanchez his first-choice keeper.
While Sanchez’s ball-playing abilities fit Maresca’s tactical style, his shot-stopping skills have been inconsistent.
Wright isn’t the only one concerned about Sanchez’s future, with Jamie Carragher also raising doubts about Chelsea’s defensive setup, suggesting that without upgrading key positions like goalkeeper and center-back, the team won’t be able to challenge for the Premier League title.
Maresca’s Support for Sanchez
Despite calls for changes in goalkeeping, Maresca continues to back Sanchez. The Chelsea manager has repeatedly stated that he remains happy with Sanchez’s performances, especially his distribution from the back. Maresca added that Sanchez will only lose his spot if he stops executing the risky passes and playing style Maresca has asked of him.
