Ramsdale's best transfer destination REVEALED as Raya becomes Arsenal No.1
Cameron Smith
- 24 Sept 2023 15:27 BST
- 4 min read
Mikel Arteta has seemingly made his choice: David Raya will be Arsenal’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
The Spaniard arrived on an initial loan deal from Brentford this summer and after a few weeks on the bench, he has now displaced Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s number one.
Arteta has stated that he plans on swapping his goalkeepers - even suggesting that he will do so mid-game if tactically necessary - but Raya is clearly now the preferred choice, as FootballTransfers exclusively revealed when he joined.
READ MORE: Man Utd re-enter race to sign €30m France international
The 28-year-old came into the side for Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Everton last weekend and many expected Ramdale to return for the Gunners’ first Champions League fixture since 2017 in midweek.
However, Arteta persisted with Raya against PSV Eindhoven before benching Ramsdale yet again in the North London Derby.
While Ramsdale has reportedly reacted well to Raya’s recent inclusion, the Englishman has unsurprisingly been linked with a transfer away.
READ MORE: Three Premier League giants monitoring Ousmane Dembele despite PSG summer transfer
The former Sheffield United ‘keeper has been Jordan Pickford’s back-up at international level for several years, but his involvement with the England national team set-up will be under threat if he continues to sit on the bench at club level.
His situation at Arsenal is being monitored by both Chelsea and Bayern Munich, according to The Daily Mail, as clubs begin to circle for his signature.
But, which club should Ramsdale join if he does leave the Emirates Stadium?
Who should Ramsdale sign for?
FootballTransfers’ data analytics partner SciSports have a designated ‘Career Advice’ tool on their website (which takes into account multiple factors such as playing time and potential development) and their algorithm suggests that Manchester United would be the ideal destination for Ramsdale.
The Red Devils signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan this summer, but the Cameroon international hasn’t fared particularly well since joining the club and was at fault for Leroy Sane’s opener against Bayern in the Champions League.
Furthermore, he has conceded 14 goals in his opening seven matches for Man Utd.
Man Utd aren’t the only option for Ramsdale, however. Borussia Dortmund also rank highly as a possible destination for the Englishman, with Gregor Kobel their current number one.
Which club should Aaron Ramsdale join?
| Club | SciSports' Club Fit Score |
|---|---|
| Man Utd | 85 |
| Dortmund | 82 |
| Aston Villa | 81 |
| Barcelona | 76 |
| Real Sociedad | 76 |
| Inter | 76 |
In addition, Aston Villa would be a good move for Ramsdale, according to SciSports, with Barcelona, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan also deemed as preferable options for Ramsdale.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal allow Ramsdale to leave, but for now he is the second choice ‘keeper at the club and rumours of an exit will persist until he reclaims his place or indeed departs.
