Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is being monitored by rival clubs after being dropped for David Raya by Mikel Arteta during their win at Everton – with Chelsea and Bayern keeping tabs on England shot-stopper
- Aaron Ramsdale was benched by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s win at Everton
- His future was in doubt after David Raya started Sunday’s 1-0 win
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins’
The future of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is being closely watched by rival clubs after his role as first choice was thrown into uncertainty.
As Mail Sport first predicted on September 6, summer signing David Raya was handed his Gunners debut in place of Ramsdale for Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Raya at Goodison Park has cast doubt on Ramsdale’s position in the head coach’s short- and long-term plans.
Before and after the win on Merseyside, Arteta revealed he would like to switch Raya and Ramsdale this season, while also hinting he is open to making goalkeeper changes during matches.
Arteta’s comments seemed to indicate that Ramsdale still has an important role to play for the Gunners this season.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is being watched by rival clubs after being dropped for David Raya
Manager Mikel Arteta backed his decision to beat Raya 1-0 at Everton on Sunday
Nevertheless, Ramsdale’s situation is already of interest to a number of teams, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich who are believed to be keeping abreast of developments, with the feeling that Raya could likely overtake the England international sometime this season following his first loan move from Brentford. .
Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton this summer but remain open to strengthening their goalkeeping options, while it is no secret that Bayern are looking for a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, who turns 38 in March.
Given Arteta’s comments about how he views the goalkeeper position, it is likely that any interest in Ramsdale will be met with short shrift in January.
But it remains to be seen how Arsenal will react if they receive offers for Ramsdale in excess of £60million next summer.
Ramsdale’s future is in doubt after Arteta hinted at switching him from Raya this season
Ramsdale has established himself as one of the best emerging goalkeepers in Europe since arriving from Sheffield United in 2021.
He has become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squad, making four senior appearances for his country, with many believing he should play ahead of No. 1 Jordan Pickford.
There has been something of a shock behind the scenes at the Emirates at the omission of Ramsdale from the starting XI against the Toffees, while sections of the fanbase believe the 25-year-old has done little wrong to warrant scrutiny of his regular squad .
However, there are internal concerns about Ramsdale’s start to the season. The keeper has had nine shots on goal so far and has conceded four: a save percentage of 55.6 percent.
Chelsea are among the teams eyeing Ramsdale – with Mauricio Pochettino having only Robert Sanchez as his most experienced goalkeeper
Bayern Munich – led by Thomas Tuchel – also admires the English shot-stopper
His contribution to Fulham’s first goal in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates on August 26 and Marcus Rashford’s goal in the Gunners’ 3-1 win on September 3 have come under scrutiny.
Ramsdale signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal in May and the goalkeeper remains loyal to Arsenal, who will play PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League return on Wednesday.
The goalkeeper hopes to return to the starting line-up for the match at the Emirates or Sunday’s much-anticipated North London derby against Tottenham.
But it remains to be seen how Ramsdale assesses his future if his first-team opportunities are severely limited in the future.
As things stand, it is almost certain that Ramsdale will be in the England squad for Euro 2024 as Pickford’s understudy, but a lack of game time would be a concern for Southgate heading into the tournament.
