Arsenal are set to reinstate Aaron Ramsdale in goal in the Premier League – giving the England international an opportunity to re-stake his claim for the No.1 shirt.
Mikel Arteta signed Brentford custodian David Raya over the summer in a move that caught many off-guard, considering Ramsdale's form hasn't dipped too much since joining Arsenal in 2021. The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United stopper was dropped for the match against Everton, however, and hasn't regained his place in the starting line-up in the league since.
Despite Arteta suggesting he could switch goalkeepers midgame and that the competition between Raya and Ramsdale was strong, Raya has ended up playing both the Premier League and Champions League – leaving Ramsdale just to the League Cup.
Ramsdale will likely be given another chance to impress next week when Arsenal take on West Ham United in the next round of the League Cup – but he'll get his chance to return to league action perhaps sooner than some imagine.
Arsenal take on Brentford on November 25, where Ramsdale will have to start for the Gunners – given that Raya is ineligible.
VIDEO: How Arsenal FINALLY Beat Manchester City At Their Own Game
Raya joined from the Bees on a year-long loan deal which is expected to be made permanent at the end of the season for a fee just under £30 million. But given that he is technically still employed by the west Londoners, he won't be able to face his former side next month.
The Spaniard has been in mixed form since taking the first-choice spot between the sticks. A shaky performance against Manchester City and a high-profile error against Chelsea was followed by some erratic moments against Sevilla, in which a late punch in a crowd of players landed on the roof of his net.
Arsenal still have the option to turn down signing Raya. The move seems to have been led by the north Londoners' goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, however, who previously worked with the 28-year-old.
Arteta's third-choice keeper is Estonia international Karl Hein.
More Arsenal stories
Declan Rice has exclusively revealed to FourFourTwo why he chose to sign for Arsenal this summer.
FFT also caught up with former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, who explained why he turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League in favour of re-joining Cardiff City.
Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has said that leaving Real Madrid was the "best decision" he could have made for his career.
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
