David Raya’s arrival on loan from Brentford, with a permanent switch on the cards, was supposed to be a convincing move, strengthening Arsenal’s goalkeeping ranks. But the “luxury” has become a headache, with whispers of a Ramsdale exit already in line. Earlier, fans and pundits expressed concerns about a potential imbalance, and rightly so. Ramsdale, frozen out by Raya’s brilliance, is already eyeing an escape route as Newcastle, in the midst of a goalkeeping crisis, assure him regular minutes and a potential Euro 2024 lifeline.
Suddenly, Arteta’s abundance of talent has become a burden. Can he keep two top talents happy, or will one be sacrificed for the sake of squad harmony? The January window looms large, and with it, the answer.
Mikel Arteta wants Aaron Ramsdale to remain at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s decision to opt for another top goalkeeper in the last transfer window left many people bewildered. As pointed out by many pundits on the subject, the goalkeeping department is one of the most stable positions in soccer and must not be tampered with much to maintain a perfect balance.
However, Arteta had a different idea and thought bringing Raya in would help him achieve that. Unfortunately for Ramsadale, who helped Arsenal secure Champions League qualification for this season, the Spanish goalkeeper has been the preferred option in goal for Arteta, leaving the Englishman frustrated and willing to move in January.
Despite not giving the Englishman enough game time, Mikel Arteta, whom the FA recently sanctioned, has maintained his position of wanting the former Sheffield United goalkeeper to remain at the Emirates and fight for his place.
“I want Aaron with us,” the former City assistant manager said. “I am very happy to have two very good goalkeepers, and Aaron is staying with us.
With the lack of game time at club level, Gareth Southgate has warned Aaron Ramsdale that his chances of making EURO 2024 could be in jeopardy, but Arteta thinks that shouldn’t be an issue.
“Have I spoken with him about it? Yes. He’s willing to play. Like any player, he wants to play for Arsenal. That’s what he wants to do, then the other is a consequence,” the Arsenal boss added.
Why Newcastle likely to make a move for Aaron Ramsdale
Newcastle have been dealing with injury problems, which could spell trouble for their goals this season. The Magpies are missing several players either due to injuries or a ban, with Sandro Tonali out for at least 10 months for his role in the high-profile Italian betting scandal a few months ago.
Eddie Howe is also missing several top players like Dann Burn, Callum Wilson, and, most recently, Nick Pope, who appeared to have suffered a severe shoulder injury in their 1-0 win against Manchester United.
This could be the getaway Aaron Ramsdale has been looking for to establish himself somewhere he could get more regular minutes of football. Despite Arteta’s plea for Ramsdale to remain at Arsenal and fight for his place, the Englishman could have a hard time usurping David Raya, who has established himself as the preferred option for Mikel Arteta.
A move to Newcastle could help Ramsdale reclaim his spot as England’s No. 1 for their EURO 2024 campaign.
Should Aaron Ramsdale move to Newcastle or remain at Arsenal to fight for his place?
