Aaron Ramsdale completed a move to newly promoted Southampton this summer. The England international departed the club after losing his place in the team to David Raya.
Raya joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford in the 2023/24 season before joining on a permanent deal this year. The Spaniard made 32 premier league appearances last season while Ramsdale made only 6.
As soon as Raya came to Arsenal, Mikel Arteta was a big supporter of the keeper and immediately make him the new number one. This is what led to Ramsdale leaving the club this summer.
Charles Watts speaks on how the Ramsdale situation will affect David Raya
Arsenal journalist Charles Watts believes Ramsdale leaving finally puts an end to the tense situation of having two first choice goalkeepers, and that with him as number one, he would have a clearer mind ahead of the season. Watts was speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel:
“His [Raya’s] fantastic start to the season that he is enjoying, obviously, he’s firmly established at Arsenal now as the No. 1. I think we are just going to see him improve, improve, improve.
“I honestly felt we wouldn’t see the best of David Raya until Aaron Ramsdale departed. Just because of that whole situation, I don’t think it helped either ‘keeper. I don’t think it helped Aaron Ramsdale when he came in for the few appearances he got.
“I don’t think either ‘keeper was able to play at their very best, until one of them went.”
Raya has had a brilliant start to this season and was in goal for Spain during both of their Nations League games this international break.
Ramsdale says there was no bad blood between him and Raya
Aaron Ramsdale spoke recently on his time at Arsenal after signing for Southampton. The keeper says there were no bitter feelings about the move, and that he even spoke to Mikel Arteta this week.
Ramsdale says David Raya earned the spot and won over Arteta with his performances:
“I tried my best to change his mind and force my way back in. His mind was set and at the same time David had a great season.”
“You can have all the upset or qualms about being taken out but when someone else is delivering, you’ve just got to take it on the chin.
“It was tough but I’ve found a new home and I’m looking forward to playing again. You move on, there’s no bad blood and you’ve got to restart your career again.”
