Mikel Arteta's pursuit of Brentford's No.1 is unsurprising as it became clear during last season's title run-in that he needs a better goalkeeper
The confirmation of Arsenal's interest in signing David Raya upset some supporters, which was hardly surprising. The Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, is something of a cult hero at the Emirates. He may have only arrived in north London from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021, but it wasn't long before he was regularly winning Arsenal Player of the Month awards, which are voted for by the fans.
And his popularity wasn't just secured due his acrobatics in between the sticks, even if they undoubtedly played a part. For example, goalkeeping icon Peter Schmeichel described the way in which he kept out a free-kick from Leicester's James Maddison in October 2021 as "the best save I've seen for years". Ramsdale also became a firm fan favourite for his very obvious love of playing for Arsenal. As a result, the scepticism which surrounded his £24 million ($31m) signing soon gave way to adoration.
Ramsdale was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve and the crowd loved him for it. His sense of humour also helped, of course, with Ramsdale appearing in an amusing ad which also featured Gunners great David Seaman.
Getty'Honoured that you guys have welcomed me'
When he signed a contract extension in May of this year, he even publicly thanked the fans for the way in which they had warmed to a player who had been relegated in his two previous seasons in the Premier League – first with Sheffield United and then again at Bournemouth.
"I know you guys probably weren't overly excited by my signing – and I totally get it," he confessed. "I don't have any right to come here and expect you all to rate me from the get-go. This is a huge club and it's had some top-class goalkeepers along the way. But fair play, once I got into the team and I got my chance, I felt like we understood each other a lot more. I feel your love, and I feel like you feel mine as well.
"Hopefully, you get the idea that I give everything out there… I know I'm not from around here, but you lot make me feel like I am. I get messages and love from people all around the world, so I know how big the club is.
"You guys have taken my family in, making my dad feel like a superstar. It really gives a family feel to the football club. You make matchday so special and I can't imagine anywhere else for my home stadium to be, or my home. I feel honoured that you guys have welcomed me in and I feel honoured that the staff want me to stay. So, it was the easiest decision in the world to commit my future, to The Arsenal. So, let's keep moving forward as a club, and make some more special memories."
AdvertisementGettyWhy Areta wants Raya
However, there is now the distinct possibility that his mutual love affair will end in heartbreak because Arsenal's mere interest in Raya suggests that Arteta is not entirely happy with Ramsdale – and that's entirely understandable.
It's been reported that the Spanish manager is simply trying to strengthen his squad. He allegedly wants two quality players competing for every starting sport – which is obviously the dream of every manager. However, the Raya transfer talk clearly spells trouble for Ramsdale – just as his signing signalled the end of Bernd Leno's spell as Arsenal's No.1. After all, it's not like Arsenal are going to pay more than £40m ($50m) for a new goalkeeper and leave him sitting on the bench.
There's a reason why Bayern Munich are also chasing Raya: he was outstanding for Brentford last season. As any Fantasy Football fan will tell you, he scored more points than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. He kept 12 clean sheets – just two fewer than Ramsdale, who was playing in a title-challenging team – and had a far better save percentage (77 to 68.6).
(C)Getty ImagesArteta wants an upgrade on Ramsdale
However, the real reason why Arsenal are looking for a new No.1 is clearly Ramsdale's unreliability. No goalkeeper made more errors leading to shots in the Premier League last season (six), while two of his mistakes resulted in goals, including the wayward pass that led to the Gunners falling 1-0 behind just 28 seconds into their costly draw with Southampton at the Emirates.
Indeed, by that stage, it was clear that Arsenal weren't really strong enough from a defensive perspective to win the title. They ended up conceding 43 goals in total – 10 more than Manchester City and Newcastle, and as many as Manchester United – and suffered a dreadful dip following William Saliba's season-ending injury.
The arrival of the versatile Jurrien Timber should help address the lack of strength in depth at the back but Arteta clearly – and rightly – feels that he requires an upgrade on Ramsdale.
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Getty ImagesRamsdale not an elite goalkeeper
Erik ten Hag reached a similar conclusion at Manchester United, ruthlessly disposing of David de Gea – who won the Premier League's Golden Glove last season – because he wanted a goalkeeper as good at playing passes out from the back as keeping clean sheets. And the Dutchman is being commended for his conviction.
Arteta should be just as lauded for his clear-sightedness. Ramsdale is undeniably a good goalkeeper, but not good enough for a team with title aspirations. If Arsenal were to let him leave, he wouldn't even be considered by another elite European team.
Truth be told, Ramsdale wouldn't even rank among the top 20 goalkeepers in the game today. Let's face it, this is by no means a golden era for English goalkeepers and yet the 25-year-old was an unused substitute at the 2022 World Cup, with the desperately limited Jordan Pickford deemed a more trustworthy option by national team coach Gareth Southgate.