Arsenal applauded for top signing who seems to have been there ‘forever’
Aaron Ramsdale has been praised by Sol Campbell for providing Arsenal with a “breath of fresh air” since his summer transfer.
Ramsdale seems to be establishing himself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper after initially arriving to provide competition for Bernd Leno. The former Sheffield United shot-stopper has started all three Premier League games since the return from the international break.
He kept clean sheets against Norwich City and Burnley before helping Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday.
His form has led to doubts over the long-term future of Leno, who had previously seen off competition from Emiliano Martinez for the number one role at the Emirates Stadium.
In fact, one pundit said he could not understand why Arsenal signed Ramsdale due to the problem it has created with Leno.
But another observer has been more enthusiastic about the piece of business. According to ex-Gunners defender Campbell, it feels like Ramsdale has been at the club for years already. In fact, he fits right in with the ethos they are aiming to build.
“I think it’s great to see. He’s engaged with all the players,” Campbell told talkSPORT.
“He made a really good save, tipped it onto the bar [from Lucas Moura’s shot], it could’ve been 3-2.
“The attitude is spot on as well. He’s talking, a bit of banter in there – I love that. I feel comfortable in that.
“I think it’ll bring the best out of players and you need that sometimes. In the difficult moments throughout the season, there’s going to be ups and downs and you need those characters around the pitch.
“It seems like he’s been there forever. It’s been a breath of fresh air him going in there.
“Maybe because he’s come from a different type of club, he’s a bit more vocal; he’s got that way about him. I think that’s what Arsenal needed – a little bit old school, in your face, big, tall, a big character.
“Arsenal is built on big characters.”
Leno available for transfer
With Ramsdale fitting in seamlessly, Leno’s future is now up for question. He is out of contract in 2023.
Eurosport stated recently that with Ramsdale now Arteta’s first choice, Leno will be on his way out. The former Bayer Leverkusen star is now on the transfer list.
Leno, who joined in 2018, will either leave in January or at the end of the season. That very much depends on the interest in the player.
There has already been talk that the 29-year-old could head back to his homeland. Arsenal are looking to build a younger squad.
Edu’s plan involves lowering the age of the squad, improving the homegrown core and signing some of Europe’s brightest talents.
Ramsdale certainly ticks all three boxes, which spells bad news for the German.
READ MORE: Deal to re-sign former star gets thumbs up for Arsenal as big benefit is spelled out to Arteta
The post Arsenal applauded for top signing who seems to have been there ‘forever’ appeared first on TEAMtalk.