5 transfer options for Ramsdale as Arteta makes Raya Arsenal's No. 1
It seems as if the writing is on the wall for Aaron Ramsdale's Arsenal career.
The England international, 25, was overlooked AGAIN on Tuesday for Arsenal's 2-1 victory against Champions League rivals Sevilla. Mikel Arteta is continuing to trust David Raya, who was signed on a season-long loan from Brentford in August, between the sticks.
Ramsdale hasn't featured in a Premier League or European game since the start of September, such is Arteta's faith in Raya, 28. His only appearance since then was in the Carabao Cup against Brentford when Raya wasn't eligible to play against his parent club.
Although Arteta is refusing to confirm Raya as his No. 1, it's hard to see how Ramsdale will get back into Arsenal's starting XI - especially with his Spanish rival not playing awfully well. As such, here are Ramsdale's five options in the January transfer window...
Chelsea
Chelsea are interested in signing Ramsdale in January and aren't afraid to splash the cash. The Blues have spent more than £1billion on fresh talent since Todd Boehly completed a takeover in May 2022 - and the young and talented Ramsdale certainly fits the bill.
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He would also be a significant upgrade on Chelsea's current No.1 Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard was Brighton's third-choice stopper before he made the switch and most Blues fans expect him to be a temporary fix to their goalkeeping solutions.
Ramsdale could be Chelsea's long-term No.1. Arteta would be willing to sell him if the price is right and the two clubs appear to be on good terms, with Kai Havertz and Jorginho moving to the Emirates this year. Chelsea appears to be Ramsdale's most likely destination.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer is still recovering from a broken leg (Dennis Bresser/Soccrates/Getty Images)Do you think Aaron Ramsdale will leave Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below!
But if Arsenal don't want to sell Ramsdale to a Premier League rival, a move to Bavaria could suit all parties. Bayern Munich need a goalkeeper, with Manuel Neuer still recovering from a broken leg. It's unclear whether the 37-year-old will ever get back to his best after being stripped of the captaincy by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel tried to sign a stopper during the summer. He told reporters: "We are looking for a goalkeeper, there are candidates. But there’s still no agreement. Until Manu gets back, we only have Sven Ulreich and that’s not enough."
Ramsdale will be concerned about becoming Neuer's understudy. But if the World Cup winner still hasn't returned to full fitness by January, Tuchel may decide it's time for a new No.1. A huge opportunity could open up at the six-time European champions.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudis want to transform their domestic league into one of the best in the world by signing European football's biggest stars - with the likes of Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Ruben Neves all securing unlikely summer moves. Ramsdale is regarded as one of the Premier League's most exciting goalkeepers and would be a huge coup.
The chances of him moving to the Middle East seem slim right now, but what if there are no other options on the table? Joining a Saudi Pro League club would give him minutes ahead of Euro 2024 and it's clear Gareth Southgate is a big fan of the division... seeing as he keeps on picking Henderson. It would also be a nice payday for Ramsdale.
Former club
Aaron Ramsdale impressed during his time at Sheffield United (Getty Images)But if Ramsdale wants to stay in the Premier League, a move to either Bournemouth or Sheffield United could be on the cards. Both clubs have established first-choice stoppers in Neto and Wes Foderingham but have made dreadful starts to the season.
There's a chance Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and United's Paul Heckingbottom could be sacked between now and January, and a new manager at either club could decide to bring in a new goalkeeper. These things happen in football.
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Playing for a team fighting relegation would allow Ramsdale to showcase his ability - reminding Arteta and Southgate what he has to offer. A loan move could suit all parties.
Fight at Arsenal
Arteta is sticking with Raya... for now. Arsenal's new goalkeeper is yet to convince the club's fans after making two howlers in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea last Saturday. Leaving out the near-faultless Ramsdale for Raya is a huge gamble by the Gunners boss.
Patience could be vital, as Ramsdale might just get the chance to regain his spot if Raya fails to impress between now and January. The Englishman is a popular figure at the Emirates and would love to continue playing for the Gunners. A difficult decision awaits.
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