Arteta hasn't spoken to Ramsdale as he's told "live with" new Arsenal role
Mikel Arteta hasn't spoken to Aaron Ramsdale about his role at Arsenal since dropping him for David Raya, the goalkeeper's father has claimed.
Ramsdale, 25, had established himself as the club's No.1 since moving to the Emirates in the summer of 2021 but was usurped after just four league games by Raya, who joined the Gunners on an initial loan deal from Brentford in the summer transfer window.
Arteta's decision to sign another first-choice goalkeeper raised eyebrows at the time and several pundits have slammed the tactic, including Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. The Spaniard's decision to install Raya as his new No.1 has also divided opinions - and Ramsdale's father has hit out at the way Arteta has handled the situation.
Speaking on The Highbury Corner podcast, Ramsdale's father, Nick, revealed that his son has effectively been demoted to the club's cup goalkeeper - even though that has not been formally confirmed to him by Arteta.
Ramsdale Sr said: "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."
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
He added: "David Raya is a great goalkeeper and it is not his fault. He’s just come in as a goalkeeper. David Raya, Aaron says, is a lovely guy and he works hard with him and Aaron’s trying to help him as much as he can to settle in with the squad.
Join the debate! Do you think Ramsdale should be starting for Arsenal? Let us know here.
Aaron Ramsdale lost his place in the Arsenal team to David Raya earlier this season (Getty Images)"It's possibly the way it's been done. Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don’t know why. Again, Aaron is working as hard as he can. He’s trying to do his best for the squad. He’s upbeat and he’ll do everything for Arsenal to try and win the league."
After making an assured start to life at the Emirates, Raya has looked shaky in Arsenal's last few games, leading to calls for Ramsdale's return. His father is adamant that fans need to get behind Raya, though, before writing the Spaniard off - especially as it's likely his loan move will be made permanent next summer.
He said: "You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though the way 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."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
