Despite Aaron Ramsdale being one of Arsenal’s stand-out performers this season, former Gunner Kevin Campbell believes the club may bring back a familiar face in Mat Ryan.
Arsenal’s season has been mirrored by the signing of Ramsdale. In the beginning, many questions were asked and doubts were raised but the cream always rises to the top and both Arsenal and Ramsdale have certainly found their feet in recent weeks.
It’s clear to see Ramsdale is trusted by Mikel Arteta to be Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper for the foreseeable future and many Arsenal fans are more than satisfied with that decision, given his recent performances.
Although his position as first-choice goalkeeper is safe at the moment, the backup goalkeeper situation will be something Mikel Arteta’s side will need to consider.
With just 18 months left on his Arsenal contract, back-up goalkeeper Bernd Leno may look for a move elsewhere in the coming months. If Arsenal want to reach the levels of yesteryear, they need options in every position, including between the sticks.
So who could Arteta look to bring into the club? Former Arsenal striker Campbell believes the club may be interested in bringing back Mat Ryan from Real Sociedad after he spent half a season on loan at the Emirates last year.
Speaking to Football Insider , the former striker said: “I was surprised that the club didn’t make a concrete move for [Mat] Ryan, obviously Edu and [Mikel] Arteta had their eyes on Aaron Ramsdale.
“As controversial as it was at the time, what a signing. Ramsdale was getting stick before he signed. You have to look at it as a very justified decision. Ramsdale has been a revelation.
“[Bernd] Leno is going to leave next year so I think we could see Mat Ryan come back as number two to Ramsdale.”
Bringing back Ryan would be a surprise move for Arsenal, but it beneficial for the club in more ways than one. He’s a boyhood Arsenal fan so he perfectly understands the privilege and what it means to represent Arsenal. He’s already been at the club so it wouldn’t take time for him to settle in either.
But perhaps most beneficial of all, his wealth of experience in several teams will enable him to help Ramsdale on his journey. We all want to see just how far Ramsdale can go and judging off what we’ve seen already this season- the sky’s the limit.
Ramsdale, however, will need help to reach his full potential and Ryan will be able to offer an element of that by passing on his pearls of wisdom. If for whatever reason Ramsdale wouldn’t be selected to play, Ryan will most certainly be able to step in and do a reliable job for Arteta.
It seems, if Arsenal will be looking for a goalkeeper to provide some healthy competition for Ramsdale, Mat Ryan could tick all the boxes and a move back to the club he’s supported since he was young would be beneficial for all parties involved.
Do you think Arsenal should sign Mat Ryan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
