Aaron Ramsdale’s dad has taken aim at Mikel Arteta over his handling of the goalkeeping situation at Arsenal.
Back in August 2021, Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in a deal worth a reported £30 million.
Since then, he has established himself as the Gunners’ number-one goalkeeper.
However, at the start of the 23/24 season, Arteta brought in David Raya from Brentford, which started to cast doubt on Ramsdale’s position.
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In September, Ramsdale was dropped for the Premier League clash against Everton and the 25-year-old has since been on the bench for Arsenal.
Speaking on The Highbury Squad podcast, Ramsdale’s dad, Nick, was not too impressed with Arteta.
He 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.
“David Raya is a great goalkeeper and it is not his fault. He’s just come in as a goalkeeper. David Raya, Aaron says, he 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.
“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.”
Nick continued: “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.
“Why would you extend a goalkeeper or any player’s contract and then two months later, or three months later [make a move on someone else?].
“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.”
Nick then offered some kind words for Raya, 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.”
Topics: Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsdale, Football, Arsenal
Marcus Chan