Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival at Arsenal was somewhat ridiculed with the fact that he had suffered back to back relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United. He made 128 saves and kept five clean sheets at Bournemouth, then moved to Sheffield United in the 2020/21 season when Dean Henderson returned to Manchester United after his decent spell with the Blades. After making a whopping 146 saves and kept five clean sheets with the Blades, Ramsdale was unlucky to suffer the ignominy of relegation for the second campaign in a row. Despite Sheffield United’s shortcomings in the Premier League, Ramsdale was voted as the Sheffield Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year for his heroics between the sticks. 

Arsenal was having a goalkeeping shake up of their own with Emiliano Martinez leaving the club for Aston Villa, cementing Bernd Leno’s status at the Number One, but Runar Alex Runarsson didn’t prove that he was up to scratch as a deputy, so it was interesting to see Arsenal part ways with £24 million to sign a new goalie with Leno already established, but following three losses to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City at the start of last season, Arsenal was rooted to the bottom of the table and Leno was replaced by Ramsdale in the starting lineup. After conceding nine goals in the first three Premier League games, Ramsdale notched up three clean sheets in his first four games for Arsenal, as the Gunners crept up the table. 

In contrast to Leno, Ramsdale is very dominant in his area with his aerial presence and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, and like Leno, he is a damn shot stopper. 

Ramsdale ended last season with 12 clean sheets in 34 appearances, including a save of the season contender for his amazing save from James Maddison’s free kick when Arsenal visited the King Power Stadium. At the start of the new campaign, Leno wasn’t satisfied with losing his place to Ramsdale, and opted to move to Fulham, leaving the #1 jersey for Ramsdale, who claimed it with authority. Arsenal also proceeded to sign Matt Turner from New England Revolution to serve as Ramsdale’s backup. 

Ramsdale has been an ever-present for Arsenal this season, playing every Premier League game and keeping 13 clean sheets. He has been very influential this campaign, making jaw-dropping saves that has kept his team in the game, making the fans wax lyrical for him. He had one of his finest hours when he put up a dominant performance for the Gunners in the North London Derby, and rubbed it in on the Spuds, to the point he even got attacked by a fan from the stands. In recognition of his outstanding performances this season, Ramsdale was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Year in the London Awards, and was also voted in the Starting XI of the Premier League Team of the Season. 

With Arsenal officially tying down the futures of Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, and the deal for Bukayo Saka all sorted, Arsenal has confirmed that Ramsdale has signed a long term deal with the club, extending his contract for the foreseeable future. His manager was excited with the goalie extending his stay at the club,

“We’re all so happy that Aaron has signed a new contract. The way Aaron has developed over the past two years has been exceptional, with his performances, contribution and overall adaptation to the club.

“It’s great that we’re continuing to build our future with our biggest talents in our young squad. We’re all looking forward to enjoying many more years of Aaron the player and the person at the football club.”

The player himself was buzzing following signing the new deal with the club,

It’s a huge amount of pride, it’s something you work for. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been at the club for a month or for four years, you always want to get the next one and push on with the team.

To get it after two years, I’m buzzing. It just means I can concentrate and keep my head down, and hopefully after a few more years I’ll get another one and carry on living the dream at the football club.

With Arsenal returning to the Champions League next season, the fans will be expecting Ramsdale to come up with the goods on a consistent basis. 

Sayonara.

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