Why Ramsdale to Barcelona is the PERFECT solution for everyone

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 4 Dec 2023 11:54 GMT
• 4 min read

Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal future looks bleak. David Raya is evidently Mikel Arteta’s preferred goalkeeper, and the Gunners are willing to accept an offer for the Englishman if a fair bid is lodged.

Arsenal still want to keep Ramsdale, FootballTransfers has been told, but their asking price of €58 million (£50m) could tempt any interested parties into a deal.

The England international has played just once in Arsenal’s last 10 Premier League games and that sole appearance only came due to the fact Raya was ineligible to play against his parent club Brentford.

While his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad isn’t under immediate threat, Sam Johnstone and Nick Pope, injury pending, are both vying for a place on the plane to Germany and could usurp Ramsdale if his game time remains limited.

As a result, a January loan move could be perfect for all parties involved. Ramsdale would ensure he gets regular minutes ahead of the 2024 European Championship and Arsenal could benefit as consistent game time could drive up his valuation ahead of a possible sale next summer.

Furthermore, Barcelona could be the perfect club for the Englishman.

Barcelona to move for Ramsdale?

There have been no credible reports linking Ramsdale to Barcelona, but a move makes sense from every perspective following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury.

The Germany international missed their 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid due to a lower back problem and Xavi refused to rule out the fact that he may need surgery to fix the issue. This could see him ruled out for a substantial period of time.

Ter Stegen may well be fit before Christmas if the issue is only minor, but precautions may be taken if the injury is more severe than first imagined.

Inaki Pena, 24, stepped in for Ter Stegen against Atleti and made a wonderful save from a Memphis Depay free-kick to keep a clean sheet on his eighth first-team appearance for the Blaugrana.

However, if Ter Stegen is sidelined for several weeks and potentially months, then a short-term move for Ramsdale would be ideal.

The Arsenal man would be able to escape the shackles he’s currently in at the Emirates Stadium, drive up his transfer value courtesy of regular game time, play for a huge European club and cement his place in England’s squad for next year’s Euros.

If Ter Stegen’s injury isn’t severe then a move makes little sense, but Ramsdale would be a more than able back-up if Barcelona decide to pursue a loan move for the Englishman.

Furthermore, data analytics experts SciSports say Ramsdale has an 80% similarity to Ter Stegen, meaning there wouldn’t be a drastic stylistic change if Barca land Ramsdale on loan.

His Arsenal career looks all but over, so a fresh start is needed and a loan move to Barcelona appears ideal.

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