Transfer Talk: Ramsdale may accept defeat in Raya battle

Aaron Ramsdale appears to have been usurped by David Raya as Arsenal's No1.

The England international started the first four Premier League matches of the season but has made just one appearance — in the Carabao Cup win at Brentford — since Raya's debut against Everton on September 17.

Ramsdale, 25, was a key figure at the Emirates in the past two seasons but his future in North London is now uncertain.

Ahead of the Gunners' meeting with his former club Sheffield United on Saturday, we look at what the future might hold for the benchwarmer.

Transfer rumours

It has not taken long for rumours of a move away from Arsenal to surface.

According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are interested in Ramsdale — with summer signing Robert Sanchez yet to deliver on a consistent basis for the Blues.

A move across the capital would be a bold decision by the Arsenal stopper but also an understandable one if Mikel Arteta is not willing to afford him first-team chances.

Whether the Gunners would sell to a direct rival remains to be seen, although Kai Havertz's move this summer suggests business can be conducted between the two clubs.

The stats do not lie

Arteta's decision to demote Ramsdale initially did not raise many eyebrows, mainly due to Raya's superb performances at Brentford last season.

However, a few shaky displays by the Spaniard this term — most notably in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend — have left some questioning why the Arsenal boss has not recalled his former No1.

But while the pressure has got to Raya on a number of occasions, the numbers suggest he is more suited to the Spanish tactician's style of play.

On the ball, the 28-year-old is a clear winner between the stoppers, averaging more touches, passes completed and long passes executed per 90 minutes in the Premier League.

And Raya has been superior from a goalkeeping perspective too, outdoing Ramsdale for saves made, crosses caught and sweeper-keeper regains per 90.

Waiting game

The combination of Arteta's stubbornness and the underlying numbers means Ramsdale faces an uphill battle to earn crucial minutes on the pitch.

West Ham striker Michail Antonio is well aware of the situation but urged the goalkeeper to keep working hard in training and then take full advantage if an opportunity comes his way.

He said: "It's not down to Ramsdale at the end of the day, because all he can do is everything he can in training.

"It's down to Raya, because say if Raya comes out next week and does the same thing, I think Ramsdale will be in.

"I feel that the manager does need to give him that belief and faith that you have made a mistake, but next week you'll be better next week so he has that confidence to go out and play.

"It's down to Ramsdale doing well in training and when his opportunity comes, he takes it."

But with Euro 2024 on the horizon and competition for places in the England squad as high as ever, Ramsdale may not be able to continue playing the waiting game past the January transfer window.