David James believes there is only one London club that does not need to sign Aaron Ramsdale this summer.
Ramsdale has been dropped as first choice by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford, with a permanent deal set to go through at the end of the season.
Ramsdale has been linked with a move away from the Emirates for most of the season, and it seems certain he will be on the lookout for a new club.
Speaking to Lord Ping, former Liverpool goalkeeper James believes that Ramsdale would improve almost any of Arsenal’s local rivals.
He said: “I think Arsenal to start with could benefit from having Ramsdale in the squad (laughs)! Certainly against Brentford this weekend anyway. It’s an interesting one, isn’t it? If Arsenal were to win the Premier League this season, then Aaron Ramsdale could potentially argue that he’s part of a side that is capable of winning major honours with a lot of young, English players.
“There might be an argument for him to stay if he is happy to provide competition to David Raya and be part of a team that chases prizes. I’m sure he would have opportunities; we’ve seen many teams play with a cup keeper over the years.
“He’s twenty-five-years-old, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper. There could be an argument to stay and be part of what Arteta is building, and I don’t think that would demonstrate a lack of ambition from him. Let’s have it right, Arsenal is a big, big club with lots of fans around the world. There are a lot of reasons why you would want to be part of that as a player.
“The other side of the coin to that is that trophies aren’t guaranteed (if he stays at Arsenal). The case for staying only applies if Arsenal can consistently start to win trophies.
“I think there are a handful of London clubs that he would probably fancy. I really rate him as a goalkeeper, and with the exception of Tottenham, because I think Vicario is a wonderful player, he could comfortably establish himself as the number one at any of the other London clubs.’
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