Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has given his verdict on the situation Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale finds himself in at present.
The Highbury icon, speaking on talk SPORT, says the 25-year-old has a “big opportunity” to impress as he’s set to play for Arsenal against Brentford on Saturday.
Parlour also reckons Ramsdale is “definitely” a shout for Chelsea in the transfer market, saying he’d be an “upgrade” on their current crop.
At present, the Blues have Robert Sanchez as first-choice, followed by Djorje Petrovic, Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale joined Arsenal in 2021 and quickly dethroned Bernd Leno to become first-choice in between the sticks, making a name for himself as a top keeper.
Ramsdale can leave Arsenal in 2024
The £30million signing was the Gunners first-choice for two seasons, but this changed earlier this season after Arsenal signed David Raya.
Arteta opted to drop Ramsdale and make Raya his first-choice keeper. The England international has not started a Premier League game since September 3.
Ramsdale’s father Nick recently claimed that the Arsenal manager has relegated his son to second-choice without telling him that was the case.
“We did not have a clue [Ramsdale was going to be dropped],” he said on Arsenal fan channel Highbury Squad.
Now, with Raya unable to play against Brentford as per the loan terms involving his parent club,
All eyes will be on Ramsdale if, as expected, he starts for Arsenal against the Bees.
Parlour, speaking on talk SPORT,
Reckons pressure is part and parcel of any professional footballer’s career, so Ramsdale should be fine against Brentford.
The Arsenal legend also reckons Ramsdale would be an upgrade on Sanchez in between the Chelsea sticks, but doesn’t think he’ll move in the January transfer window.
“I don’t think he’ll (Ramsdale) move in the January window,” Parlour said.
“I think they’ll wait until the end of the season. If he’s not getting any opportunity then, he’s got to look…
“Chelsea could be a shout. Definitely a shout. They could upgrade.”
