Arsenal replacing Aaron Ramsdale after terms agreed – pundit
David Raya will replace Aaron Ramsdale as the number one goalkeeper at Arsenal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton said he was surprised to hear of the Gunners’ interest in Raya given how well Ramsdale has done.
According to The Athletic (30 July), Mikel Arteta’s side are exploring a deal to sign Raya as competition for Ramsdale for a spot in the starting XI.
On Tuesday (1 August), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Brentford keeper has reached an agreement in principle with Arsenal over personal terms.
The 27-year-old has reportedly informed the Bees that he wants to join the Gunners and talks between the clubs are now expected to accelerate it.
Current number one Ramsdale enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign which saw the London club finish second in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old also put pen to paper on a contract extension in May keeping him at the Emirates until 2026.
Hutton couldn’t believe Arsenal were looking for a new keeper.
“I was a bit surprised when I heard it,” he told Football Insider.
“Raya is a fantastic goalkeeper who is very good with his feet and I wonder if that is a reason Arteta is looking at him.
“As far as shot stopping goes Ramsdale is right up there. I was still shocked.
“If you are Ramsdale at this moment in time having just signed a new deal and the club bring in a new goalkeeper who is going to be number one, how does he feel? Terrible, I imagine.
“The only thing I can think of that Raya is good with his feet, his distribution is good. This is a team that is arguably going to try and win the Premier League so you need a strong squad so that could be the reason.“
In other news, Arsenal close to surprise double deal.