- Aaron Ramsdale was benched by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s win at Everton
- His future was thrown into question after David Raya started Sunday’s 1-0 win.
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The future of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is being closely monitored by rival clubs after his first-choice role was plunged into uncertainty.
As Mail Sport first predicted on September 6, summer signing David Raya made his debut for the Gunners in place of Ramsdale for the hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Raya at Goodison Park has cast doubt on where Ramsdale fits into the head coach’s immediate and long-term plans.
Before and after the win on Merseyside, Arteta hinted he would look to rotate Raya and Ramsdale this season – while hinting he was prepared to make goalkeeper substitutions during matches.
Arteta’s comments appear to suggest that Ramsdale still has an important role to play for the Gunners this season.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is being monitored by rival clubs after being dropped for David Raya
Manager Mikel Arteta backed his decision to play Raya for their 1-0 win at Everton on Sunday
Nonetheless, Ramsdale’s situation is already of interest to a number of teams, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich among those keeping abreast of developments, with Raya feeling likely to overtake the England international at at some point this season after initially arriving on loan from Brentford. .
Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton in the 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 remarks about how he views the goalkeeping position, it is likely that any interest in Ramsdale in January will be met with little economy.
But it remains to be seen how Arsenal would react if they receive offers for Ramsdale in excess of £60million next summer.
Ramsdale’s future uncertain after Arteta hints he will rotate him with Raya this season
Ramsdale has established himself as one of Europe’s best emerging goalkeepers since arriving from Sheffield United in 2021.
He became a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s side and made four senior appearances for his country, with many believing he should play ahead of No.1 Jordan Pickford.
Indeed, there has been some shock behind the scenes at the Emirates at Ramsdale by the omission from the starting XI against the Toffees, while sections of the fan base believe the 25-year-old has not done much wrong to warrant scrutiny of his regular selection.
However, there have been internal concerns regarding Ramsdale’s start to the season. The goalkeeper has faced nine shots on target so far and conceded four times, resulting in a save percentage of 55.6 percent.
Chelsea are among the teams considering Ramsdale – with Mauricio Pochettino having only Robert Sanchez as his most experienced goalkeeper.
Bayern Munich – led by Thomas Tuchel – also admire the English goalkeeper
His contribution to Fulham’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw at the Emirates on August 26 and Marcus Rashford’s goal in the Gunners’ 3-1 win on September 3 were scrutinized.
Ramsdale signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal in May and the goalkeeper remains committed to Arsenal, who face PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League return on Wednesday.
The goalkeeper will be hoping to return to the starting XI for the clash at the Emirates or the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
But it remains to be seen how Ramsdale will assess his future if his first-team opportunities are seriously limited going forward.
As things stand, Ramsdale is almost certain to make England’s Euro 2024 squad as Pickford’s understudy, but a lack of game time would worry Southgate ahead of the tournament.
