It’s fair to say that Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival at Arsenal divided pundits and supporters alike.
Ramsdale had been a part of relegated squads two years on the bounce and at £24million, many felt the Gunners had overpaid.
Mikel Arteta suggested that the signing of the former Sheffield United ‘keeper wasn’t to directly replace Bernd Leno - but to add increased competition between the sticks.
READ MORE: Ramsdale's first impression at Arsenal is making all the difference
After all, Arteta is only 12 months removed from the controversial decision to stick with Leno over Emi Martinez, with the latter ultimately leaving the club for Aston Villa.
And while Martinez established himself as one of the Premier League ’s top stoppers, question marks over Leno persisted.
The German is often criticised for his ability on the ball, an area in which Ramsdale has a clear and distinct advantage.
That’s what drove Arteta to stand up to Arsenal chiefs in order to get the transfer over the line.
According to the Athletic , it was the manager himself that personally advocated for the 24-year-old, with Edu looking at cheaper alternatives.
The technical director was reportedly keen to sign Neto from Barcelona, a transfer which would have cost substantially less than the Ramsdale one.
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However, Arteta was insistent and eventually got his man, despite being forced to pay an English premium.
The Arsenal boss has been under fire thanks to a poor Premier League start and is fully aware that his talent identification will be vital.
His belief in Ramsdale was clear to see when after just three games - where Leno had conceded nine times - he was drafted into the starting line-up against Norwich.
After keeping a clean sheet against the Canaries, he retained his place for the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.
The game against the Clarets was a tougher assignment, with Sean Dyche’s side likely to send a bombardment of aerial centres towards the Gunners goal.
But Ramsdale stood firm and helped himself to another shut-out, his third on the spin, including one in the Carabao Cup.
He would have had his heart in his mouth when the referee felt that the ‘keeper had brought down Matej Vydra in the box following an under hit Ben White back pass.
But replays showed that Ramsdale’s tackle was inch-perfect, with VAR officials overturning the on-field decision.
Arteta has said he has made no assurances to either Leno nor Ramsdale when it comes to his long-term No.1, but with the Spaniard desperate for results, his big transfer call is making the shirt his own.
