Arsenal chase 23-year-old goalkeeper – Do the Gunners need him?


Arsenal chase 23-year-old goalkeeper – Do the Gunners need him?

Aaron Ramsdale

As the transfer season has begun we might witness some surprising bids in the next few days with clubs emphasizing to buy players who could give long term surplus. One of the transfer rumours that is doing the rounds is that of Sheffield United FC goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to Arsenal FC. Well, the way Gunners are keen to negotiate with the upcoming talents Mikel Arteta’s plans to bring younger legs gives proof that the team wants to add depth in every position.

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Why Arsenal FC wants Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale

So why is Arsenal interested in buying Aaron Ramsdale? The question is obviously logical but why are Arteta and the club management so keen to get him on board? Two months back there were reports that the club wanted to induct 2 defenders, 2 midfielders and 1 goalkeeper. Young Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has already signed the agreement alongside Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares and Ben White of Brighton and Hove Albion is close to signing the deal with the gunners. Sheffield United have offered an asking price of more than 32 million pounds from Arsenal to get this deal done. The north London club presumably needs an upgrade who could be a future replacement of Bernd Leno. Another reason could be they might be needing a homegrown talent or a player who could bring valuable profit when he is swapped with another in the future.

Who should have been the possible options other than Aaron Ramsdale?

Some Arsenal fans were in for a disappointment as they thought that maybe the club could have gone for a seasoned campaigner or a shot-stopper who was technically acclaimed with his footwork. Some thought West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who was part of the Euros squad could have been a better option. Wojciech Szczesny would have been another favourable option even though he is a costly option but has re-established his form since moving to Juventus FC.

Keylor Navas was another alternative. Although he is 34, he still possesses the skill, talent and reflexes to produce brilliant saves and blocks. Burnley FC goalkeeper Nick Pope was another bright option. On a personal note, Pope needs to give a shot at making himself available for some big clubs so as to give a new direction to his career. As for the gunners he could have been a viable option. Unai Simon is another promising talent whom Arsenal could have tried to bring to the negotiation table. Perhaps, some even thought that maybe his distribution between the sticks was a bit shaky against teams who are penetrative during counterattacks.

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Why Aaron Ramsdale could be beneficial for the gunners in the future

Amidst all these suggestions there are some positives to be taken from this deal. The 23-year-old can use his physical presence well and his ability to judge the opposition strikers’ attacks is what could have prompted Mikel Arteta and the team management to go for this deal. Ramsdale has got safe hands when it comes to his anticipation in the air and this ability to cut the flow of attacks during set-pieces with his stubborn blocks.

By playing for Arsenal FC it would help the 23-year-old to upgrade his quality which would add robustness to his technique and help him to improve his game tactically that could be advantageous for the side in the future. Although the deal is a bit surprising the club has got the reputation of turning ordinary players into legends. Petr Cech, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and the list goes on. All these legends prospered after switching to Arsenal. Who knows the youngster’s name could be seen in this band of stars in the future.

Also Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signs contract extension at Manchester United