3 Premier League clubs that could sign Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale would never have seen Arsenal's summer move for David Raya coming.

The England international had produced a fine but not outstanding 2022/23 campaign. While Ramsdale had notable flaws which required ironing out, very few thought there was a need to upgrade at the goalkeeper position ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Unfortunately for Rambo, Mikel Arteta was one of those very few.

As a result, Arsenal swooped for David Raya and the Spaniard quickly usurped Ramsdale as the club's number one in a situation that facilitated initial discomfort and a prolonged period of awkwardness. On the occasions when Ramsdale was required, the formerly confident Englishman had evolved into an inhibited and unstable shot-stopper. His rare appearances merely vindicated Arteta's decision, with Raya later claiming Golden Glove honours by recording his 15th clean sheet of the season against Bournemouth in May.

2023/24 has been a disaster for Ramsdale, but a drop in confidence does not render the former fan's favourite a 'bad' goalkeeper. He still has grand aspirations, and it's almost certain he'll depart in favour of regular starts in the summer.

Here are three Premier League clubs that could snap Ramsdale up.

3 Premier League clubs that could sign Aaron Ramsdale

1. Newcastle

It was thought Newcastle would've made a move for Ramsdale in January after Nick Pope underwent shoulder surgery. Pope has missed the last few months as a result of his injury, but he's back in Eddie Howe's matchday squad and he could be back in Euro 2024 contention.

Despite Pope's return, Newcastle have been touted as frontrunners for Ramsdale's signature.

The Arsenal shot-stopper represents a huge upgrade over back-up Marin Dubravka, but Ramsdale won't be joining the Magpies to serve as Pope's back-up. He wants number one status, and he might be banking on his compatriot enduring a drop-off in the wake of his long-term injury.

Is that a risk he wants to take?

2. Wolves

Again, I'm not sure this would be the best career move for Ramsdale, but Wolves are one of the clubs linked with a move for the 25-year-old.

The West Midlanders have little by way of a reliable back-up behind Jose Sa, with Dan Bentley featuring at the Emirates this season. However, Sa has enjoyed an excellent season and displacing him as Wolves' number one would be a huge task for Ramsdale, as talented as he is.

Dumbing down the post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed metric, Sa's essentially saved 5.8 more goals than expected this season - the third-most in the Premier League. He's a superb shot-stopper, but if Gary O'Neil wants to evolve his side further in terms of what they do in possession. Ramsdale could be an enticing option given his modern profile.

3. Chelsea

Ramsdale would certainly surrender his fan's favourite status should he opt to switch his London allegiance, but Chelsea absolutely must be considered by the Englishman should they show an interest.

There were tenuous links in January, but a move in the winter was never likely.

The Blues, however, are in need of long-term stability at the goalkeeper position. They currently have two options who shouldn't be earning regular Premier League starting berths in Dorde Petrovic and Robert Sanchez.

Ramsdale has his flaws (sub-par one-v-one, and a bit of a flapper from crosses), but he's doubtlessly a superior keeper to both. We know that Mauricio Pochettino's utopian gloveman carries a swagger in possession, and there are few who exude more confidence on that front than Arsenal's Rambo.

There's scope for the 25-year-old to emerge as Chelsea's number one for the long haul.

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