The confirmation of Arsenal's interest in signing David Raya upset some supporters, which was hardly surprising. The Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, is something of a cult hero at the Emirates. He may have only arrived in north London from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021, but it wasn't long before he was regularly winning Arsenal Player of the Month awards, which are voted for by the fans.
And his popularity wasn't just secured due his acrobatics in between the sticks, even if they undoubtedly played a part. For example, goalkeeping icon Peter Schmeichel described the way in which he kept out a free-kick from Leicester's James Maddison in October 2021 as "the best save I've seen for years". Ramsdale also became a firm fan favourite for his very obvious love of playing for Arsenal. As a result, the scepticism which surrounded his £24 million ($31m) signing soon gave way to adoration.
Ramsdale was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve and the crowd loved him for it. His sense of humour also helped, of course, with Ramsdale appearing in an amusing ad which also featured Gunners great David Seaman.