In a recent segment with talkSPORT, Gabby Agbonlahor backed Newcastle United to move in for Arsenal custodian Aaron Ramsdale. Agbonlahor said,
“He [Ramsdale] has to go in January, Arteta has made it clear.
“I’m saying Newcastle – Newcastle or Chelsea for me.
“Pope’s a top shot-stopper but he can’t play with his feet. How long are Newcastle going to continue to play [like that].
“Every Premier League team near the top has got a keeper who can play from the back and Pope can’t.
“That’s the reason he’s maybe going to miss out on going to the Euros with England.”
Ramsdale’s Lack Of Game Time In North London
Ramsdale has endured a frustrating season at the North London club as he has lost his first-team privileges to David Raya. The English keeper has conceded eight goals and secured a couple of clean sheets in seven matches for the Gunners during this campaign across all fronts.
The 25-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 0.5 clearances and 2.8 long balls per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 77.1% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Arsenal will run out in the summer of 2026 which would make it difficult for the Magpies to land him in the upcoming winter transfer period.
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Go For Ramsdale?
Ramsdale can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks as he has got decent reflexes that help him pull off a few important saves at the back. He is a solid handler of the ball and doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when required.
The English keeper has got a wealth of experience in Premier League football and won’t take much time to settle into life at Newcastle United. He will no doubt improve the quality of Eddie Howe’s first XI and could help the Magpies be competitive across all fronts in the future.
At 25, Ramsdale will only get better with each season which makes him a good choice for the Tyneside club to pursue this January. All in all, Newcastle would be wise to go for the English talent when the transfer window commences at the start of next year.
