Aaron Ramsdale knows David Raya is now first-choice keeper – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Arsenal has officially designated David Raya as their permanent starting goalkeeper, while Aaron Ramsdale is now expected to serve as a backup player for the foreseeable future, as reported by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
David Raya, who joined the team during the summer transfer window, made his debut for Arsenal in their recent 1-0 victory over Everton, with Aaron Ramsdale being named as a substitute for the first time in 18 months.
Although Ramsdale has proven himself as a capable goalkeeper in the Premier League, there are still doubts about his suitability as the primary choice for one of Europe’s top clubs.
According to Hasselbaink, it seems that Mikel Arteta has made his preference clear by selecting Raya as the first-choice goalkeeper.
“They paid a lot for Raya and I think he’s their No.1 and eventually he was going to play, I think today is the first day that he’ll be a regular,” he told Sky Sports.
“I don’t see goalkeepers getting minutes here and there, they need rhythm, they need to stay in that momentum.
“Raya is a very good goalkeeper and Aaron is as well, two big goalkeepers you want in your team. It’s hard and a difficult decision but I think we’ll see Raya in Arsenal’s team for a little while.”
Raya’s arrival at Arsenal was initially on a season-long loan basis, but there is an option in the agreement to make the transfer permanent for approximately £30 million. Both Arsenal and Brentford anticipate that this clause will be exercised.
However, Theo Walcott holds the belief that this may not be the end of the line for Ramsdale, and he adds: “I think it’s a really interesting point you say about the fixture pile-up but I’m a big fan of Aaron.
“I think you got to look at England’s perspective as well. It will be interesting to see how he reacts, he’s had to deal with a couple of relegations but this is something else.
“He’s at a very team, he’s got No.1 on his shirt there and now he’s got a keeper challenging him. They’re going to buy him in time and it’s very interesting. I’m sure he can deal with it.”
Aaron Ramsdale knows David Raya is now first-choice keeper – Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink