Mikel Arteta says Aaron Ramsdale’s importance to Arsenal is still ‘the same’ amid scrutiny over the club’s number one because of transfer links to David Raya.
The Arsenal boss refused to get drawn into claims that the club is looking to sign Brentford’s shot-stopper this summer, but he did praise Aaron Ramsdale in between the sticks for his most-recent performance.
The Premier League title contenders beat Monaco 5-4 on penalties on Wednesday, after a 1-1 draw, to win the Emirates Cup, with Mikel Arteta stating that Ramsdale was ‘really good’, as he told his post-match press conference.
After missing out on the Premier League title last season and shooting themselves in the foot, one of the last spots fans thought Arteta would look to upgrade is the goalkeeper.
But, there is every chance that, by the time the summer transfer window slams shut, David Raya is an Arsenal player – he is keen on the move.
All of this has put a dark cloud over Ramsdale and what the future lies for him, but for Arteta, he made it clear that nothing changes.
On Ramsdale’s performance amid scrutiny re Raya: “He was really good,” said Arteta. “I think he was really composed in the game. I think he didn’t have to intervene too much.
“The two actions, the goal was very close range and one is the action where they have the cut-back and he disposed of, then not much more to do.
“Everything he had in ball possession was really good.
On Ramsdale still being an important part of his plans: “It’s still the same.”
Perhaps push for another striker after Jesus’s injury?
The Brazil striker is set to miss the start of the new season, after being out of action for several months of the last campaign.
When fit, Gabriel Jesus is the man to lead the club’s line, yes, they have other options, such as Leandro Trossard, summer signing Kai Havertz and even Gabriel Martinelli that can play the number nine role.
But rather than put money towards Raya, perhaps Arsenal should add more firepower to their ranks and allow Havertz to play his new midfield role and bring in a bonafide number nine to challenge Jesus.
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