Arsenal interest in Diant Ramaj explained after scouting trips

Arsenal’s long-term squad planning has once again come into focus, with fresh insight emerging into why the club have been tracking a Bundesliga goalkeeper closely this season.

According to SportBILD journalist Christian Falk, the Gunners have a concrete interest in Diant Ramaj, who is currently impressing on loan at 1. FC Heidenheim from Borussia Dortmund. Falk has confirmed that Ramaj is firmly on Arsenal’s transfer list, following reports that club scouts have attended multiple matches to assess him in person.

While any move would not be immediate, the reasoning behind Arsenal’s interest is rooted firmly in forward planning rather than short-term need.

Although Arsenal are well stocked in goal right now, the club’s age profile explains why recruitment staff are looking ahead.

Raya, Arsenal’s established number one, is 30 and under contract until 2028. His deputy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, arrived from Chelsea in the summer following a successful loan spell at Bournemouth, but he is already 31 and also tied down until 2028.

That leaves Arsenal facing a familiar modern dilemma: stability now versus sustainability later.

Falk made it clear that Ramaj is not being viewed as an immediate challenger for the number-one shirt, but rather as a future-facing option.

“Of course Arsenal have a good goalkeeper in David Raya,” he explained. “So we’re talking more about a backup. But with Kepa already 31, this is about looking ahead.”

This is a textbook example of Arsenal’s recruitment evolution under Mikel Arteta. Rather than reacting late to ageing profiles, the club are increasingly proactive — identifying players two or three years before a genuine need arises.

Having followed Arsenal’s transfer strategy closely in recent windows, this approach mirrors how they handled succession planning in outfield positions. Goalkeeper depth rarely becomes urgent overnight, but when it does, options are limited and expensive.

Although some may question the need to scout a goalkeeper so heavily while Raya remains firmly established, the reality is that Ramaj’s profile — young, experienced, and already accustomed to top-flight football — makes him a sensible contingency rather than a luxury.

Whether Arsenal move next summer or wait longer will likely depend on Ramaj’s continued development and Dortmund’s stance.

For now, Arsenal are expected to continue monitoring Ramaj’s progress at Heidenheim rather than rushing into negotiations. Any formal move would likely involve discussions with Borussia Dortmund once his loan situation is clarified. With time on their side, the Gunners can afford patience — but the groundwork is clearly being laid.

👉 Arsenal fans — would you welcome a younger goalkeeper arriving early, or stick with Raya and Kepa for as long as possible?