23 September 2023 , 20:00
1046
0
Aaron Ramsdale is in no rush to make a decision over his long-term future after falling behind David Raya in the Arsenal pecking order.
Ramsdale, 25, had established himself as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper and played a major role in last year's title charge. However, the England star started the season with his position under scrutiny following the arrival of Raya.
Raya, who excelled during his time at Brentford, has been heavily fancied to replace Ramsdale since joining the Londoners on an initial loan deal. And after being chosen ahead of Ramsdale against Everton last weekend, the 28-year-old is expected to continue between the sticks; just as he did against PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
While Ramsdale could now be set for a prolonged stint on the bench, the Emirates favourite has no plans to seek a move in the wake of interest from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea.
Ramsdale is settled at the club he joined from Sheffield United back in the summer of 2021. The shot-stopper only penned a new five-year contract with the club in May.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Although Ramsdale may be content to fight for his place, it seems unlikely he will reclaim the first-choice berth anytime soon. Mirror Football understands that Arteta views Raya as an upgrade on Ramsdale, meaning the Spaniard is likely to continue as the club's No.1.
Arteta has outlined that he has plans to rotate the two and has even hinted he could swap the duo during games for tactical reasons, just as he would with any outfield player. The idea has already been slammed by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Join the debate! Do you think Ramsdale should be starting for Arsenal? Let us know here.
Aaron Ramsdale will not make a rash decision over his Arsenal future (David Price/Arsenal FC)Speaking ahead of the north London derby, Arteta conceded he was "suffering" after deciding to ruthlessly drop Ramsdale. He said: “I understand that and it is very difficult with every player. And I suffer and I care about every player who is not playing but this is the competition and this is my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team.
“He has been very supportive and really good around the place and that is what I expect from every single player as when you are on the field, there is someone else who is not. So it goes both ways. So far he has been really, really good.
“Yes it is hard, but with other players it is the same. Aaron is an exceptional character, he has got this charisma and this aura around him, and we all know that and I fully understand that.
“It happens with many other players, you see the reception Emile Smith Rowe got the other night and it’s sending a message that we really like him and I really like him, and we have to deal with that. But at the end, you have to make the team, the line-up of what you feel and the best way to prepare the game.”