Arsenal: 5 Aaron Ramsdale transfer alternatives

2. Sam Johnstone – West Brom

Another option that doesn’t exactly set the pulses racing, if both Sam Johnstone and Ramsdale were the same age there is little doubting whatsoever that Arsenal would have opted for the Baggies’ stopper.

Given he is 28 years old, there is a reluctance.

Eyeing someone who can be moulded into the long-term number one, it makes sense to target someone younger. Yet, looking at the ability first of all, it was Johnstone who earned more sparkling reviews in last season’s Premier League.

There is no need delving into statistics which are often muddied by the quality of the team around them, so instead it could be worth looking at Johnstone making the England squad ahead of Ramsdale as another indicator.

Richly experienced, the West Brom keeper is hardly an elite goalkeeper and arguably slightly above average with less room to develop, but he’s also significantly cheaper than Ramsdale at around £10m.

With one year left on his deal and the Baggies in the Championship, financially it makes significantly more sense. Homegrown and familiar with the division, could Arsenal do better? They could do worse for a backup.