Ramsdale stance revealed after falling behind Raya in pecking order
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 24 Sept 2023 12:46 BST
- 3 min read
Aaron Ramsdale is in no rush to make a decision over his long-term future despite falling behind new signing David Raya in the Arsenal pecking order for the No.1 spot.
The Mirror reports that, even though the England international has been snubbed of his starting position, he is in no hurry to push for an exit.
The 25-year-old had been the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper and was a key component in the club’s title challenge last season, but now he has found himself playing second fiddle to Raya, who joined over the summer from Brentford.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal in talks to sign youngster on fresh deal amid Chelsea and Man City interest
Raya was chosen ahead of Ramsdale against Everton last weekend and it is believed that he is going to be continuing playing as the first-choice shot-stopper.
He also played against PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Ramsdale has been sitting on the bench, but he has no plans to force an exit just yet, even though the likes of Chelsea are thought to be eyeing the player.
READ: Premier League table: Six wins from six for Man City
Ramsdale joined the club from Sheffield United back in the summer of 2021 and penned a new five-year deal in May. But there seems to be no suggestion that he will be chosen ahead of Raya and so will have to fight for his place. The shot-stopper only penned a new five-year contract with the club in May.
It is thought that Mikel Arteta views Raya as an upgrade on Ramsdale and that he will be using him as his preferred option going forward.
Leno slams decision
The notion of having two elite goalkeepers has been slammed by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
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."
