Mikel Arteta believes Aaron Ramsdale should not make hasty decisions about his future, despite the fact that his lack of action is hurting his international prospects.
Ramsdale, 25, had been the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Sheffield United in 2021. In 2021-2022, he made 34 Premier League appearances and played every minute of last season’s league campaign. As the north Londoners finished second behind Manchester City, the Stoke-on-Trent-born ace was outstanding.
Mikel Arteta raised eyebrows when he signed David Raya on a season-long loan from Brentford during the summer.
The Spaniard was expected to serve as Ramsdale’s backup and play in cup games.
However, the Spain international has deposed his teammate as the team’s number one.
Raya has appeared in seven Premier League games for Arsenal, while Ramsdale has appeared in four.
The former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper was also chosen for Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, appearing in all four group games.
Ramsdale last appeared in the league on September 3rd, in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United.
He was named to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
The Three Lions boss, however, admitted that he couldn’t ‘promise things’ to Ramsdale if he wasn’t playing regular club football.
Rumours have already circulated that the four-cap England player will be looking for a new club.
Only time will tell whether or not that occurs in January. But he knows he needs to play if he wants to compete in Euro 2024.
Arteta wants Ramsdale to stay.
TEAMtalk reported in late October that Ramsdale is willing to leave to improve his chances of playing for England.
Both Newcastle United and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the gifted goalkeeper.
Raya’s departure appears to be unavoidable if he becomes the undisputed number one between the posts.
But Arteta is still a big fan and hopes he thinks carefully before making any decisions on his future.
“We just want the best for our players and we try to do that, and we know the influence that we can have – sometimes positively, sometimes not so positively, towards them,” he told reporters.
“This is a team sport that needs 24 players that have to fulfil a role. And the role that you have in August, it might be very different to the one you have in March.
“So making early decisions, in my experience, is not something good at all and as well because the team has certain needs that has to be accomplished.
“You need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team.”
Ramsdale could play in the final two qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia in November.
England has already confirmed their participation in next summer’s showpiece in Germany.
As a result, the two games will provide Southgate with an opportunity to experiment with various formations.
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