Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan is not one to dole out sympathy all too often. But when discussing the fate of Arsenal’s £24 million man, he cannot help but feel for him.
Much was made of Aaron Ramsdale’s final few months in The Gunners’ net during that 2023/24 campaign. A season in which Arsenal appeared to have the title in the bag, only to let it slip with the most untimely of spring-time dips.
But while a few high-profile blunders certainly affected Ramsdale’s reputation, it should be forgotten that the England international played such an integral role in Mikel Arteta’s emergence as genuine Premier League title challengers in the first place.
That, however, is simply the life of a goalkeeper. No place to hide. Very little sympathy.
Except, perhaps, the sympathy shown by the one-time Crystal Palace chief. Simon Jordan, speaking on talkSPORT (20 August, 10am), cannot help but feel that for the situation Ramsdale has found himself in.
Aaron Ramsdale could leave Arsenal for Wolves
The former Sheffield United and Bournemouth glovesman has made only six league appearances since Arsenal brought in David Raya from Brentford. Now clearly the second-choice pick under Arteta, the formerly-Newcastle linked Ramsdale now has no choice but to leave if he wants to play regular first-team football again.
A difficult decision, Jordan feels. Play week-in, week-out at a mid-table club, or challenge for silverware in a backseat role?
“I think he is unfortunate! He has found himself a victim of circumstance,” Jordan says.
“He is at a very big football club which he is probably loathe to leave because it’s a big football club. Anywhere down from Arsenal – with a few exceptions – is a step down.”
Fans of Wolverhampton Wanderers will not want to think of their proud old club as a ‘step down’ from anyone, but you can understand Jordan’s point. After losing Max Kilman and Pedro Neto – and with little money to replace them – this is shaping up to be a testing season for Gary O’Neil’s side.
Valued at £40 million, Ramsdale is too expensive for Wolves to sign on a permanent basis.
HITC understands that a loan departure could be on the cards, however. Arsenal are willing to consider a temporary exit, with Nottingham Forest and Southampton also among those interested.
Forest signed Carlos Miguel this summer but the Brazilian is an unproven quantity. Southampton gifted Newcastle United their winner on Saturday after a mix-up involving Alex McCarthy.
Wolves, meanwhile, have Jose Sa as their number one but concerns remain over his distribution. There can be no such concerns over Ramsdale, brought to Arsenal in the first place due to his fine passing range as well as his shot-stopping qualities.
Gunners to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol
“I think it’s rather sad. I think he’s a very good goalkeeper,” Jordan adds, urging Ramsdale to take his fate into his own hands. “I think he should put a transfer request in and seek to move.
“I don’t understand (why he has not asked to leave already). Maybe the team spirit is so good trhat maybe he bought into it.
“I think he is a very good goalkeeper. A very good goalkeeper.”
HITC understands that Arsenal have agreed terms with Joan Garcia to take Ramsdale’s place if a departure can be agreed. Garcia was fantastic as Espanyol secured promotion back to La Liga last term. The Spaniard is now ready to join compatriot Arteta in North London and serve as David Raya’s back up.
