LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Aaron Ramsdale has been announced as Arsenal’s new number 1 following the departure of Bernd Leno to Fulham.
Leno finally completed his move to Craven Cottage on Tuesday after a rather complex deal that could rise to £8m was agreed between the two clubs. The German shot-stopper was keen to leave the Emirates this summer in favour of a starting berth elsewhere after Ramsdale usurped him as first-choice between the sticks last season.
The 30-year-old was Arsenal’s number 1 for three seasons after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, but he made just four Premier League appearances last time out as Ramsdale made an immediate impact.
Arsenal name Aaron Ramsdale as their new number 1
New season. New number.
Leno’s departure this summer was made inevitable by the arrival of Matt Turner from the New England Revolution.
Turner will serve as Ramsdale’s back-up in 2022/23, and Arsenal announced in the wake of Leno’s exit that their former number 32 will succeed the German as the club’s number 1.
Ramsdale, who wished Leno “nothing but happiness and greatness” on his new venture, said he was “very proud and honoured to be taking this massively prestigious number.”
The England international added: “Some of the greats have worn this shirt and hopefully I can emulate how they performed on and off the pitch and also add a twist of my personality to it as well.”
While Ramsdale’s form did slide during the second half of last season, he quickly endeared himself to supporters and his infectious character saw him emerge as a fan favourite at the Emirates.
Considering that his signing last summer was ridiculed by many, there’s no doubting that the 24-year-old exceeded expectations during his debut season. Ramsdale kept 12 clean sheets in 34 Premier League appearances and his stout form throughout the first half of the campaign saw him earn his maiden England call-up and cap.
