Looking back on Ramsdale's time at Arsenal

When Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsdale for £30 million in 2021, he was immediately written off. In a world where long-time servant Emiliano Martinez was sold for just £20 million, Ramsdale’s relegation ridden resume didn’t seem like much cause for hope. Now, after a performance filled with highs and lows, it seems certain that the eccentric goalkeeper has played his last game in an Arsenal shirt.

When I look back on Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal, I can’t help but smile. He’s been our cult hero – from his save of the season contender to deny a James Maddison free kick, to winding up Richarlison at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while Spurs were copping a battering - he’s been Arsenal through and through.

Should this be Ramsdale’s last season at the club, he’ll depart the Emirates with an FA Community Shield, a 2022/23 PFA Team of the Year inclusion and multiple England call ups.

But all good things must come to an end.

The arrival of David Raya has spelt doom for Ramsdale, as the Spaniard quickly won over Arteta. It leaves Rammers struggling for minutes, and at this point in his career, the 25-year-old will no doubt be striving for more. It seems like his journey at Arsenal will slowly run out of gas – no big fireworks for the player who possibly deserves it most.

It is also important to consider where, if anywhere, Ramsdale will go. On one hand, it seems obvious that he will leave to play more – Chelsea are still without a profound Number 1, Manchester United’s interest comes and goes with Onana’s shaky start and Newcastle United have even poked their head in the door in case Nick Pope can’t stay healthy.

It is very possible for Ramsdale to stay, too. We’ve seen how Arteta man-manages those on the fringes of the squad, like Cedric or even Tomiyasu at times. He finds a way to keep them happy, and maybe that will be enough to keep this story going.

Maybe.

Until the transfer window, however, we won’t know.