“It’s going to have an effect on Saliba and Gabriel” – Ex-Chelsea star says Arsenal centre-back duo could suffer due to teammate’s ‘problem’ 

Football pundit Craig Burley has suggested that Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba can suffer because of goalkeeper David Raya's form. He highlighted the Spaniard's weakness of handling crosses, which could make the job of his defenders harder.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley compared Raya's situation to Kepa Arrizabalaga's at Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri. He also suggested that the Gunners needed Aaron Ramsdale in goal again and said:

"If you remember the Kepa scenario at Chelsea, which was slightly different, but when Sarri lost confidence in him, you remember the players themselves were berating him on the field, they lost confidence in his ability to do anything really. Whilst we are a long way from that [happening at Arsenal], I think if he continues to flap crosses coming into the box and gets himself in bad positions, it's going to have an effect on Saliba and Gabriel because their starting position is all of a sudden probably going to change because they're now thinking, we haven't got Aaron Ramsdale, who is 6'4, he's a big imposing goalkeeper."

He added:

"That makes a defender's job different. When you know your keeper has got that authority in the box, then it makes your job slightly different. When you have a keeper who is not particularly good or it doesn't seem to be in that area, as a defensive unit you might have to change your mind set a little bit. The concern is that his inadequacy from these type of balls in could start seeping through to the rest of that back four. We're a long way from that, but there are early signs that this is a problem."

Mikel Arteta signed Raya earlier this season at Arsenal as he wanted competition for Ramsdale. However, the Spaniard has now taken over as the club's #1 and has been starting over the Englishman.

Aaron Ramsdale wants to play more at Arsenal amid Chelsea interest

Aaron Ramsdale spoke to the media earlier this month and admitted that he wanted to play more at Arsenal. He added that his main aim remains the England national team and he does not want to give Jordan Pickford a free run for the #1 spot.

Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Ramsdale with Sky Sports reporting that a January move could be on the cards. The Blues signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but his error saw the Blues give up on a 2-0 lead and draw 2-2 with Arsenal.

The Gunners are yet to make a decision on the future of Ramsdale. Reports suggest Arteta is keen on keeping the former Sheffield United star and will not sanction a move.