Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s future is being closely monitored by rival clubs after his role as first-choice was thrown into uncertainty.
As Mail Sport first predicted on September 6, summer signing David Raya was handed his Gunners debut in place of Ramsdale for the hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Raya at Goodison Park has cast doubt over Ramsdale’s position in the head coach’s immediate and long-term plans.
Before and after the win on Merseyside, Arteta intimated that he would look to rotate Raya and Ramsdale this season - whilst also hinting he is open to making goalkeeping substitutions during matches.
Arteta’s comments appeared to suggest Ramsdale still has an important role to play for the Gunners this season.
Nevertheless, Ramsdale’s situation is already interesting a number of teams, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich among those understood to be keeping abreast of developments amid a sense that Raya was likely to overtake the England international at some stage this season following his initial loan arrival from Brentford.
Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton in the summer but remain open to strengthening their goalkeeping options while it is no secret that Bayern are looking for a long-term successor to Manuel Neuer - who turns 38 in March.
Given Arteta’s remarks on how he views the goalkeeper position, it is likely any January interest in Ramsdale in would be met with short thrift.
But it remains to be seen how Arsenal react if they were to receive offers for Ramsdale in excess of £60million next summer.
Ramsdale has established himself as one of the best emerging goalkeeper’s in Europe since his arrival from Sheffield United in 2021.
He has become a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s squad and made four senior appearances for his country, with many believing he should be playing ahead of No 1 Jordan Pickford.
Indeed, there has been a degree of shock behind the scenes at the Emirates at Ramsdale’s omission from the starting XI against the Toffees while sections of the fanbase believe the 25-year-old has done little wrong to warrant the scrutiny over his regular selection.
However, there have been internal concerns about Ramsdale’s start to the season. The keeper has has faced nine shots on target so far and conceded four times - a save percentage of 55.6 percent.
His contribution to Fulham’s first goal in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates on August 26 and Marcus Rashford’s goal in the Gunners’ 3-1 win on September 3 have been scrutinised.
Ramsdale signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal in May and the keeper remains committed to Arsenal, who face PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League return on Wednesday.
The keeper will hope to return to the starting XI for the clash at the Emirates or Sunday’s highly-anticipated North London derby against Tottenham.
But it remains to be seen how Ramsdale assess his future if his first-team opportunities are severely limited moving forward.
As things stand, Ramsdale is a near certainty to be part of England’s Euro 2024 squad as Pickford’s understudy but a lack of game time would concern Southgate heading into the tournament.