Arsenal’s worrying Aaron Ramsdale contact over summer transfer

Aaron Ramsdale Pursuit Doesn’t Make Sense for Arsenal

Would Arsenal be in for Ramsdale if he wasn’t homegrown? Worryingly, that question can be answered very easily. Strip away that aspect of the player and the deal grows even more peculiar, especially at the price mentioned.

Ramsdale’s signing would essentially replace Mat Ryan. It’s highly unlikely he’d be brought is Leno’s replacement. In that case, £35m comes across as a very steep number.

That’s a serious investment to make on a goalkeeper who, were Leno to stay, would be looking at around seven or so appearances in the entire campaign. It has been mentioned that Arsenal don’t want a No.2 and instead want two ‘No. 1’s’, which quite frankly makes very little sense. Someone will always be second choice.

For that amount of money there has to be a marked improvement on the team, which it’s hard to see Ramsdale bringing. He’s become the source of widespread criticism since the links emerged, most of which is stretching too far – Ramsdale is not a dreadful goalkeeper, but he isn’t a great one, either.

After a strong second half to the season for the Blades his stock rose. It led to him winning his side’s Player of the Season award, having scooped the same gong with Bournemouth the season before. However, any stat numbers are generally inflated due to the simple fact of goalkeepers in struggling sides always being overworked, and technically he doesn’t look at the level needed in north London.

Spending 12 months hoofing the ball as far as he could, onlookers haven’t been able to grasp his ability in short distances and under pressure anywhere near as much, yet even from wide deliveries there is a lack of security.

What he is, however, is only 23, and England international and clearly very hungry and brave. He doesn’t shy away from the rough and tumble and has more room to develop, which is what Arsenal must be centering their interest around.

While internally you’d like the think the scouting department have done their homework, Inaki Cana’s record is hardly inspiring. And, for this kind of money, Onana on half the price seems even more baffling to avoid.