Arsenal: Ramsdale signing is the wake-up call Leno needs

Well, it is finally done. One of the worst-kept secrets is now out. Arsenal has addressed one of its biggest issues and that is a new goalkeeper. On Friday the signing of English keeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United was announced for a fee of around £24m, one that could rise to nearly £30m depending on various add-ons.

When rumors first started circulating that Arsenal was interested in Ramsdale it was met with, well, how could you say it…less than favourable responses. Having been part of two clubs that had each been relegated in the past 24 months, many did not see Ramsdale as the answer to the goalkeeping problems.

But players should not be looked down upon simply because they have been a part of a relegated side or that he is coming up from the Championship. Having held the shirt aloft and given a wonderful and encouraging first interview, annoyance and trepidation surrounding the 23-year-old’s move has somewhat dissipated.

Fans are now on board with the signing of the English keeper – as well as Martin Odegaard – and want him to prove all the naysayers wrong. He still has many to win over with his ability, mind you.

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Arsenal signing Aaron Ramsdale is the wake-up call Bernd Leno needs to end his spell of job security as the number one goalkeeper

Perhaps most importantly, what this move does is put Bernd Leno’s immediate future firmly front and centre. He now has a keeper who can genuinely challenge him for the No.1 spot, and if we are being totally honest, is certain to take over in the next year anyway barring a sudden increase in form from the German. Ramsdale may be watching on from the bench against Chelsea.

This is no pot shot at Leno, who does possess excellent shot-stopping abilities, it’s just unfortunate that he is found wanting in just about every other goalkeeping department. This is not to say that it can’t be improved, as last season Leno had no real threat to his job. He does now.

Given the fee involved, surely Mikel Arteta would not splash out that much for Ramsdale to have him sitting on the bench for the entire Premier League season. He will get his chance eventually whether it be in the league or cup games. This is a challenger for the gloves, not a benchwarmer, even if the Stoke-born lad still needs to prove himself.

Should he take those chances and play well then the opening for him to take over full-time before the season’s end widens drastically.

You also can’t knock his confidence. During his first interview Ramsdale made his intentions very clear. It’s fighting talk.

"“Yeah, competition is key, and it’s also a great place to be. Bernd has done a fantastic job…and I’m here to try to take his (#1) shirt.”"

That is the kind of mentality that has been missing: hunger, drive, and ambition. Ramsdale is not here to be a second-choice keeper for the duration of his contract, he is here to take Leno’s job. And he aims to do so before the German’s inevitable departure in 12 months’ time.

It is now up to the German to up his game dramatically as he has a young and hungry keeper who wants nothing more than to be given a chance to show what he can do. Should he get that chance, Leno might not get his job back.

While it is still early days and it is likely that we will only see Ramsdale in Arsenal’s cup matches, Leno will now be looking over his shoulder at the 23-year-old. Competition is healthy and usually brings out the best in both players. Leno hasn’t had enough of that.

Make no mistake about it, Ramsdale isn’t here to take part, he is here to take over.