Raya vs Ramsdale – Who will be Arsenal’s next number one?

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Arsenal have been the biggest spenders in the Premier League this window with all eyes on winning the title next season.  The arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber has taken their spending to more than 200-million-pounds, but the Gunners are not done yet.

Brentford’s Spanish goalkeeper David Raya is the next target at the top of Mikel Arteta’s list to improve their squad.  Raya has made it clear to the Brentford hierarchy that he will not sign a new contract and intends to leave the club either this window or on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Brentford have held a strong stance on Raya’s future, placing a 40-million-pound price tag on their number one, with Tottenham and Bayern Munich having moved on to other targets after failing to negotiate a lower fee.  Arsenal are Raya’s number one priority; he is keen on the move and Arsenal are ready to make a bid.

David Raya’s arrival at the Emirates would be an interesting move, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and has been key to Brentford’s success and stability, but he would not be a guaranteed starter, he would be competing with current number one Aaron Ramsdale who has just signed a long-term contract extension.

Ramsdale has been one of the success stories of Arteta’s reign, relegated twice with Bournemouth and Sheffield, he has developed into a consistent performer and confident leader in the dressing room.  It would be harsh to say the England international is the glaring weakness in his side, this is not the case.  Ramsdale has made some errors in the league, with some high-profile situations last season, but he has saved the Gunners on more occasions than he has let them down.

If we compare David Raya to Aaron Ramsdale, the Spaniard has outperformed the current Arsenal keeper statistically.  Raya is ranked amongst the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since his promotion with Brentford in the 2020/21 season.  He ranks in fourth position statistically, below Liverpool’s Alisson, Fulham and ex-arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.  In comparison Ramsdale sits in the middle of the pack in 13th position.

This does not mean that Raya is a better goalkeeper than Ramsdale, it merely indicates that Raya has outperformed what is expected of him statistically whereas Ramsdale is performing pretty much inline with what is statistically expected.  We can safely conclude that Bernd Leno is not better than Ramsdale even though he ranks second, if he was, he would still be playing at the Emirates.

One area David Raya outperforms Ramsdale is in possession.  Raya is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe with the ball at his feet.  His composure under pressure and passing range is truly sensational.  Ramsdale is by no means weak with the ball, but he does lack comfort in passing out from the back when under pressure from opposition attackers.  In Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City there were multiple occasions where Ramsdale was under pressure at the back and either took a heavy touch or invited more pressure by taking a fraction too long.  This did not result in a goal but was uncomfortably close.

Mikel Arteta does not intend to replace Aaron Ramsdale.  If this was really the case, the club would not have given the go ahead on a contract extension until 2026 that doubled his wages just three months ago.  Ultimately when it comes to goalkeepers, competition is king.  Bernd Leno was comfortably number one until Ramsdale’s arrival.  He was misplaced and was not happy being number two.  Arsenal benefitted.  If Raya is to join and become first choice, Arsenal will benefit again.

Photo: twitter @adamkeys_

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Dylan Johnson