Arsenal’s goalkeeper situation has come under scrutiny from Aaron Ramsdale’s father, who has voiced concerns about Mikel Arteta’s decision-making, suggesting that the Arsenal manager has made mistakes.
Initially, it seemed that the Gunners had solidified their long-term No. 1 choice by entrusting England international Ramsdale with the starting duties.
However, Arteta brought in David Raya from Brentford over the summer, and the Spaniard swiftly assumed the position as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Ramsdale has admitted to “suffering and hurting” after surrendering his spot, with his father telling The Highbury Squad that a sense of joy has been lost in the game for a usually confident and enigmatic character.
Nick Ramsdale has said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding onto that ball at this moment in time. And it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying you need to keep smiling.”
Ramsdale senior went on to say of how Arsenal kept transfer business close to their chest, before then taking the decision to hand starting duties to Raya: “When I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron. But now, you know, David Raya’s back on the market and he’s had David Raya. Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens—an injury or a sending-off.
“Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody. You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though it’s been done, in my eyes, it’s been wrong and we can talk about that but it’s the decision. Really and truly, we’ve got to get behind David Raya. He’s part of the family now. Whether it’s only until May or June of next year, it won’t be; it’ll be longer in my eyes, but that’s by the by.”
Speculation has arisen about Aaron Ramsdale considering a move elsewhere, possibly in January or by the end of the season. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is contemplating his own future, aiming to secure regular playing time at the club level and enhance his prospects for further recognition with England as Euro 2024 approaches.