Aaron Ramsdale has long been linked with a move away from Arsenal but, with each passing day, his exit looks increasingly complicated.
The England international lost his starting place for the Gunners five games into the 2023/24 season, following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford.
It quickly became apparent that the Spaniard was preferred by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta over Ramsdale - which forced the 26-year-old to watch on from the sidelines for most of the previous campaign.
Ramsdale remained a true professional throughout, despite what would have been one of the most challenging periods of his career to date - but made his desire to play regularly clear nonetheless.
The goalkeeper's father, Nick Ramsdale, has also spoken on his son's situation - when he revealed how being dropped has impacted him:
"Aaron lost that smile. And it's difficult to see him there. We all keep saying: 'You need to keep smiling'. And at the moment in time, we haven't got that smile in him."
Despite his Arsenal exit looking a certainty this summer, there are just 17 days until transfer deadline day - which means his desire for regular playing time is looking increasingly bleak by the day.
So with just over two weeks to resolve his future, what is next for Ramsdale, and can he afford another season playing second fiddle?
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Ajax offer rejected
It was revealed on Tuesday morning that Arsenal had rejected an offer from Dutch giants Ajax for Ramsdale.
Francesco Farioli's side reportedly made an initial loan offer for the shot-stopper, but it was rejected due to Arsenal's continued preference to secure a permanent exit for the Englishman.
Despite seeing their opening offer rejected, Ajax are said to remain optimistic about their chances of striking a deal for Ramsdale, with Arsenal already eyeing his replacement - should he depart.
With Arsenal valuing Ramsdale in excess of £40 million, it remains to be seen whether Ajax will, or even can, meet the Gunners' demands - though their demands may change if they become increasingly desperate to offload the star.
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Replacement identified
It has been reported for several weeks, and was confirmed on Tuesday by the most reliable source, that Arsenal have identified Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia as Ramsdale's replacement, should he leave North London this summer.
The 23-year-old caught the eye last season in the Spanish second division, as he kept eight clean sheets in just 14 appearances - in what was a breakthrough season for him.
Garcia would reportedly set Arsenal back £21 million, which could represent excellent value for money if Ramsdale is sold for anywhere near his £40 million valuation.
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Lack of interest
Ajax's loan offer was, perhaps surprisingly, the first offer that Arsenal are known to have received for their former number one during this transfer window.
There had been rumoured interest from Chelsea, Newcastle and even Liverpool - but it appears that all three teams have decided to move in different directions, leaving Ramsdale's future in limbo.
All hope for a solution is not lost, however, as Ajax's interest in him came out of the blue - which means that other clubs may well hold interest, without it being public knowledge just yet.
Southampton also hold some level of interest in Ramsdale, but would likely only be interested in a loan deal - and they are also heavily linked with Crystal Palace's Sam Johnstone.
But the question has to be asked, with just over two weeks of the transfer window remaining - what happens if Ramsdale does not get his move before the deadline?
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A more than capable deputy
A worst-case scenario may not actually be the end of the world for Arsenal - as it would mean Aaron Ramsdale remaining at the club next season as Raya's deputy, again.
It would represent a disaster for Ramsdale, who would be at major risk of losing his place in the England set-up under interim manager Lee Carsley - but he would provide exceptional cover for the Gunners.
Ultimately, it feels unlikely that Ramsdale will continue at Arsenal in any capacity - given that another season of playing second-fiddle to Raya will only deplete his value.
If a permanent exit cannot be secured, it feels highly likely that Arsenal will reduce their demands and, if necessary, consider a loan for him - which could be the source of Ajax's optimism about securing a deal.
