Chelsea and Brentford compete with Leeds United to sign 'top' Premier League player this summer

Chelsea and Brentford could make a move to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer, but are set to face competition from Championship outfit Leeds United should a transfer race unfold.

That’s according to TBR Football with the outlet claiming that Ramsdale is ‘likely’ to leave St Mary’s Stadium this summer. The Saints sit rock bottom of the Premier League with just nine points this season.

Southampton are 13 points away from safety with just two wins to their name and look destined to return to the Championship. Ramsdale hasn’t played in the second tier since leaving Sheffield United to join Arsenal in 2021.

Chelsea and Brentford monitoring Sheffield United man

The shot-stopper was first choice under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium until the arrival of David Raya from Brentford. Ramsdale lost his starting berth in a high-profile battle for the number one shirt and signed for Southampton on a £18 million move last August, which could rise to £25 million.

TBR reports that Chelsea and Brentford are monitoring the player’s situation. Enzo Maresca has switched between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen this season and looks unsettled on his first choice. Meanwhile, at the Gtech Stadium, Mark Flekken could find fresh competition in Ramsdale.

Leeds United are also linked. Ilan Meslier has been criticised at times this term and the Yorkshire outfit could look for new blood should they return to the top flight - they are currently five points clear at the top of the Championship.

Aaron Ramsdale release clause touted

The outlet claims that there is a release clause written into Ramsdale’s Southampton contract but the exact value is not yet known. Southampton are expected to be able to recoup the £25 million invested in the player last summer. Newcastle United are also named as potential suitors.

Despite Southampton conceding a league worst 65 goals so far this season, Ramsdale has saved himself from the worst of criticism. Speaking after his first three games for the side in September, former Saints boss Russell Martin told the Southern Daily Echo: “He’s a top goalkeeper. He’s played three games and I don’t know how he’s conceded three goals.

“It’s not fair on him really. The stuff he does with the ball at his feet, the decisions he make, help us as a group and as a team.

“He’s a top goalkeeper and he’s showing that. I’ve only watched the equaliser once and that was enough because it made me feel sick."

In other news, Chelsea confirmed a ‘miraculous’ injury boost this week ahead of upcoming meetings with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.