Arsenal triggering the option-to-buy clause in David Raya’s deal is set to be the final nail in the coffin of Aaron Ramsdale’s career at the Emirates. It will be a sad ending for the goalkeeper who feels harshly treated by Mikel Arteta.
Ramsdale overcame adversity when he joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021. He has spoken openly about the abuse he received online from Gunners fans as Mikel Arteta pursued his signing.
He already had two Premier League relegations on his CV and supporters were not convinced that splashing out up to £30million on him was a wise way to spend their transfer budget. Ramsdale sat on the bench for the first three games of the season to raise further doubts over his purchase.
But when Arteta drafted him in for a home match against Norwich, there was no looking back. After replacing Germany international Bernd Leno, Ramsdale went on to appear in 76 of Arsenal’s next 77 Premier League matches, missing just one through injury.
He was a key part of the Gunners side that almost ended their 19-year wait for a top-flight title last season. Arsenal fans fell in love with his persona on the pitch and could see improvements in his game with each campaign.
Read more… Mason Greenwood backed for Man Utd ‘second chance’ after return decision agreed
But Arteta saw differently and brought in Raya from Brentford in the summer. The Spaniard initially joined on loan with the option to buy set at £27m.
Arsenal were in need of a new goalkeeper following Matt Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest. But after only signing a new contract in May, Ramsdale wouldn’t have expected to be replaced.
He started the season between the sticks, with Raya initially on the bench for matches against Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United. Ramsdale went into the first international break of the season buzzing after the win over the Red Devils and was rewarded by playing for England in a friendly against Scotland.
However, he returned to his club side to find out that he had been dropped for the trip to Everton. Arteta said at the time that he would rotate his goalkeepers when he saw fit.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Don’t miss…
Mauricio Pochettino facing new crisis as Mykhaylo Mudryk told to leave Chelsea[COMMENT]
FPL injury update providing Bowen, Haaland, Udogie, Mitoma latest for GW13[NEWS]
Arsenal seal David Raya deal ahead of January as ‘transfer clause triggered'[REPORT]
But Raya has since started 12 matches across the Premier League and Champions League in a row, with Ramsdale confined to Carabao Cup action. Ramsdale will get a chance on Saturday as Raya is ineligible to play against parent club Brentford.
That initially would have been a boost for Ramsdale, who will have been looking to send a ‘Remember me’ message to Arteta. But just two days out from his return to league action, reports have surfaced that Arsenal have already decided they will trigger the clause to buy Raya.
Arsenal were not obligated to buy the Spaniard and could have waited until later in the season before making a decision. But Fabrizio Romano says Gunners chiefs have indicated to Brentford they will take up the option.
Just as Ramsdale sees a slight opening to get back into the team, he has it closed in his face. Raya already has terms on a long-term deal in place.
At 25, Ramsdale is too good to be sitting on the bench. Whether it is in January or next summer, it appears his time in north London is coming towards a sad and inevitable conclusion.
Source: Read Full Article