Arsenal has started the year well once again and finds themselves in 2nd place just behind North London rivals Tottenham. Currently, Arsenal are unbeaten and their form does not look like it is going to change anytime soon but one player who is not feeling the full effects of this great form is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who has lost his place to David Raya.
With Ramsdale out of the team in dramatic fashion, his departure from the Emirates is expected, and a permanent transfer for Raya in return. With Ramsdale being an English international and a major tournament approaching he will want to get some much-needed game time, could he leave in January?
Ramsdale not in Arteta’s plans
It did come as a surprise that manager Mikel Arteta felt that the way Arsenal needed to improve from the near men of last year was to replace Aaron Ramsdale. He may have started in four league games but Arteta has clearly chosen Raya as his number-one man leaving the former Sheffield United man sitting on the bench since a 3-1 win against Manchester United; he started in the cup against Brentford.
Arteta will surely not want to jump to any conclusions and throw Ramsdale away like yesterday’s jam. There have even been concerns from an Arsenal legend regarding Raya’s start for the Gunners.
The England goalkeeper is a top-quality goalkeeper and has been pushing the number one choice for England Jordan Pickford all the way for the number one jersey in recent times. If he is to somehow convince England manager Gareth Southgate he will need to be playing games.
A move away from Arsenal could come sooner than many thought
As was reported, Ramsdale was expected to stay with Arsenal and not leave in the January transfer window. However, as stated, Ramsdale will feel he needs game time on a more regular basis.
This has grabbed the attention of London rivals Chelsea who despite spending £20 million on Robert Sanchez are still on the lookout for improvements. It is believed Ramsdale wants more game time not just for his international career but also for his own progression.
With Chelsea exploring the option of signing Ramsdale on loan it is believed that Arsenal would want a permanent move away from the club so they can focus on signing a genuine number two.
However, Chelsea will not be the only club looking at Ramsdale who has the quality, the confidence, and the ability. It might not be January but he looks likely to be leaving in 2024.