Aaron Ramsdale eyed by Premier League rival after Mikel Arteta humiliation blast

19 September 2023 , 20:20

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Aaron Ramsdale was left on the bench for Sunday's win over Everton (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea and Bayern Munich are the clubs monitoring the situation of Aaron Ramsdale after he was dropped from the Arsenal side that beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday.

David Raya, who joined the Gunners from Brentford this summer on a loan deal that is expected to become permanent next summer, started the victory at Goodison Park with Ramsdale having to watch on from the bench.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta handed Raya his debut against the Toffees at Ramsdale's expense, sparking questions over the future of the England international at the north London club. It is unusual for clubs to have two goalkeepers competing for a starting spot without an established hierarchy.

Ramsdale, 25, quickly established himself as Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper after joining the club from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 – having previously suffered successive relegations from the top-flight with Bournemouth and the Blades.

He usurped Bernd Leno, who subsequently joined Fulham, as Arsenal’s goalkeeper and has enjoyed a strong run of games and form – also establishing himself in England’s international setup, albeit as an understudy to Everton ’s Jordan Pickford.

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However, Raya appears to be Arsenal’s preference for the foreseeable future and the Mail outlines how Premier League rivals Chelsea, alongside Bayern Munich, are both monitoring Ramsdale’s situation with the possibility of a future move.

Chelsea have revolutionised their entire squad this past 12 months with former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez now their No.1, but it is believed that Ramsdale would represent an upgrade on the Spaniard – while Bayern are keen to source a replacement for veteran shot-stopper Manuel Neuer.

Have Your Say! Should Raya or Ramsdale be Arsenal’s first choice? Tell us what you think here.

Raya and Ramsdale are both competing for Arsenal's No.1 spot (Getty Images)

Arteta hinted after the game that he could even decide to chop and change goalkeepers during games going forward, indicating that Ramsdale may no longer be his undisputed No.1. His decision to drop the England star also infuriated renowned Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, who lashed out at the Emirates chief on social media.

He posted: "I don’t understand what Ramsdale has done to deserve being dropped. Havertz, yes.. but Ramsdale's been consistently superb for us. Why humiliate him? I don’t believe in having two top keepers with neither knowing who's No.1.

"Nothing against Raya, who is very good, but don’t like the way Ramsdale’s being treated. Has any team ever won the League by rotating two top goalkeepers? I have no idea, but I doubt it."

Colin Millar