Nick Pope faces £30m competition at Newcastle United as summer transfer target emerges

Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Arsenal forgotten man Aaron Ramsdale, according to reports.

Links had emerged earlier in the campaign, with the 25-year-old understood to be hellbent on a summer switch. Gunners fans were torn when Mikel Arteta decided to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on loan.

That deal is expected to become permanent this summer - all but confirming Ramsdale’s need to leave. The England international has started just two Premier League games since Raya’s arrival - the fixtures against Brentford his counterpart was ineligible for.

Many called Arteta’s decision brutal given Ramsdale’s heroics during Arsenal’s title charge last season. The move was downplayed - with the manager insisting he needed “two quality players per position” - but comments from Ramsdale’s dad, Nick, left a sour taste.

Arteta also appears to have been vindicated by Raya’s performances. The Spaniard was the hero in Arsenal’s last 16 penalty shoot-out win over Porto in the Champions League.

As for Newcastle, they will almost certainly be in the market for a goalkeeper as Loris Karius is set to leave. Martin Dubravka could also depart, with the only debate whether Eddie Howe chooses to replace Nick Pope.

The 32-year-old is the Magpies’ undisputed No.1 but has missed most of this campaign due to a shoulder injury. He returned to the bench against Burnley last weekend and could feature before the season finishes.

The Daily Mail name-checked Ramsdale as someone Howe knows well and may approach if the opportunity arises. Arsenal will reportedly demand around £30million for the Three Lions shot-stopper.