Mikel Arteta claims there is a ‘big reality’ in which Aaron Ramsdale is still at Arsenal next season despite speculation connecting the England goalkeeper with a transfer to Newcastle United.
Ramsdale largely impressed as Arsenal’s No. 1 following a £30m move from Sheffield United in 2021, proving his critics wrong to help the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title last season.
Despite his influence at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta chose to bring in a new goalkeeper last summer, signing David Raya on an initial loan deal from Brentford.
At the time there was a serious debate over who would start for Arsenal but Raya quickly won the battle, with Ramsdale forced to settle with a back-up role for much of the season.
Given Raya’s form in north London, Arsenal are ready to turn his loan into a permanent move in the summer, sparking speculation over the future of England international Ramsdale.
Newcastle have been connected with a transfer for the 25-year-old, who is said to be willing to move to improve his first-team chances, but Arteta has hinted he will remain at the club.
Asked about Ramsdale’s future and links to Newcastle, Arteta said: ‘You know I’m not going to comment on those things.’
Arteta was then asked whether there was any suggestion that Ramsdale could still be at Arsenal next season, to which he responded: ‘A suggestion? There is a big reality that Aaron will be here because he is our player and has a contract.’
Ramsdale is also playing back-up at international level to England No. 1 Jordan Pickford. Pickford, Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone were the three shot-stoppers chosen during the recent international break but Johnstone has since suffered an injury setback, ruling him out of Euro 2024.
Arsenal, who held Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, return to action on Wednesday night with a home match against relegation-battlers Luton Town.
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