Mikel Arteta begs Ramsdale to stay at Arsenal despite being second choice

Despite relegating England international Aaron Ramsdale to being the second-choice goalkeeper, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he wants him to continue at the club.

Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 and soon replaced Bernd Leno as first-choice goalkeeper. Last season, he was integral to Arsenal’s title charge; however, he is a mere backup now following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford this summer.

Arteta’s decision to sign Raya despite Ramsdale's performance last season came as a surprise, as did the speed at which he made the switch to the Spaniard.

Ramsdale has been public about his unhappiness with his current status as second-choice keeper, and reports linking him with a move away from the North London side are starting to develop, but Arteta wants to keep him.

“I want Aaron Ramsdale with us. I am very happy to have two very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us,” he said, per Fabrizio Romano.

“He’s willing to play. Like any player, he wants to play for Arsenal. That’s what he wants to do."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave an interesting response when Pep Guardiola’s swipe on him was brought up during the pre-match press conference of the Premier League clash against Luton.