Arsenal’s transfer window is set to go from bad to worse with the news that the club are still pursuing a £24 million deal for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners have already missed out on Emiliano Buendia to Aston Villa and Sergio Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain – despite offering far greater wages than the Parisian side – but did land Brighton centre-back Ben White for an astronomical £50m.
That deal was well above the market value for the defender, and sporting director Edu is now leading another market-busting move for Championship keeper Ramsdale
Fans have been left questioning the wisdom of the deal, with other areas of the team, such as the attack and the right-back area, more obviously causing concern.
Even if there is a need for an additional goalkeeper following the failure of the super-cheap Alex Runarsson to impose himself and Maty Ryan’s departure following a brief loan spell, there are better options out there than Ramsdale.
Andre Onana
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana comes with his own unique set of problems, which make is understandable that Arsenal are overlooking him for the time being. Firstly, he has the remainder of a drugs-related ban to serve that will rule him out of action for a couple of months in all competitions, while his desire to play in the Africa Cup of Nations means that he could struggle to truly integrate into the side this season.
But that being said, with just one year left on his deal in the Netherlands, he would likely be available for as little a £6m, which surely makes the talented Cameroon international a legitimate option – particularly as the Gunners are only looking for a back up in the meantime.
Keylor Navas
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has excelled himself at Parc des Princes and before that with Real Madrid. He is a veteran of four Champions League winning sides and yet is still not regarded with the respect he deserves given both his ability and his track record.
Indeed, he is set to be relegated to second choice at PSG this season due to the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Milan.
This represents an opportunity for Arsenal. Navas could be open to the challenge pf the Premier League and with PSG looking to balance their books and reduce their wage bill in order to comply with Financial Fair Play, he could be available for a relatively small fee – certainly one lower than Ramsdale.
The drawbacks? Would Navas be willing to move to a non-Champions League club and he is not a long-term solution given that he is 34. Nevertheless, he would offer an upgrade to Bern Leno.
Bartłomiej Drągowski (Fiorentina)
The Fiorentina goalkeeper is the latest in a long line of excellent Polish goalkeepers.
The 23-year-old was one of the best shot-stoppers in Serie A last season, despite playing for a crisis-hit Viola side.
At 6ft 3in, he is an imposing and commanding goalkeeper who has developed into something of a penalty expert.
With his contract expiring in 2023, he would be significantly cheaper than Ramsdale.
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