Arsenal are plotting to overhaul their goalkeeping line-up ahead of next season's opener. The dust settling on Raya's transfer signals a growing cloud over Ramsdale's departure this summer.
Arsenal's determination to sell Ramsdale is extraordinary. Although Ramsdale is still a hot commodity, the club is still hoping to recoup the £30 million transfer fee it paid. Looking around Europe, there are only a handful of teams that can reach Arsenal's psychological price point, and these teams often already have a stable starting goalkeeper. The signing of Raya is unusual in that goalkeepers tend to fill vacancies through signings, and Raya's move breaks that mold.
At this stage, Arsenal have no intention of selling Ramsdale on loan or at a low price. Unless there is a sudden change in the situation, such as a massive "domino effect" in the goalkeeper market, Arsenal may have to compromise.
If Ramsdale does leave the team, 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be expected to take over his mantle. Last season, Garcia played 16 matches for the Spaniards, contributing 10 shutouts, and his outstanding performance helped the team return to La Liga and be selected for the Spanish Olympic men's soccer team.
Both Cana and Arsenal see Garcia as an ideal replacement for Raya. Garcia has a €15 million (£12.6 million, $16.3 million) buyout clause in his contract, but that figure could rise to €25 million with the Spaniard's return to La Liga. Nonetheless, Arsenal believe they can land Garcia for far less than that, or even less than €15 million, given his solid position in Spain.
Although Arsenal have included Garcia in their list of goalkeeper signings, they do not expect to reach any agreement until a buyer for Ramsdale surfaces.
Arsenal also want Bentley as their third goalkeeper. The Wolves stand-in goalkeeper comes from the Arsenal youth academy and made five Premier League appearances last season. He, like Raya and Runnelsson, was Cana's old man at Brentford - the pair worked together there for a number of years.
Arsenal have been searching for a suitable third goalkeeper. This role has limited appearances but needs to have some special qualities. Bentley is thought to be able to have a positive impact on the goalkeeping team.
The signing of Bentley also opens the door for Carl Hein to go out on loan. The Estonian international has been persuaded to extend his contract this summer, but there is a clause in his contract that requires Arsenal to do their best to find him a better loan team in order to gain more first-team experience. As a 22-year-old keeper, this is an essential step in his growth path.
Arsenal are also optimizing their goalkeeping squad at the youth academy. Ovie Ejehri, James Hilson and Okonkwo were released from their contracts with the club this summer. The club may go through other avenues to replenish the goalkeepers in the youth camp.
A potential target for Arsenal is Ajax's 18-year-old England goalkeeper Tommy Seaford. The club have begun talks with Ajax over the transfer of the England U20 international.
Arsenal have also acquired Lukas Nygaard, a young Danish goalkeeper, 18, from Danish club North Zealand, who also has a history with Cana - Cana was a goalkeeping coach there for a year.
Clearly, Arteta has faith in Cana. Arsenal's project to rebuild the goalkeeper position is well underway.
