Aaron Ramsdale makes new Mikel Arteta admission when asked about Arsenal summer exit

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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has spoken about his relationship with Mikel Arteta following his summer transfer.

One of the biggest uncertainties heading into the summer transfer window was the future of Ramsdale in Arteta’s squad.

The goalkeeper went from being Arsenal’s firm first choice to falling down the pecking order to David Raya, seeing his playing time significantly reduced.

As a result, the England international secured a late transfer to Southampton on a permanent basis, bringing his three-year association with the Gunners to a close.

• READ MORE: Every signing and exit Arsenal announced on transfer deadline day for the 2024 summer window

Aaron Ramsdale makes Mikel Arteta admission after Arsenal transfer

While it was sad to see Ramsdale depart, it was the right decision for the 26-year-old’s career, as he spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on the bench.

The shot-stopper will always be a fan-favourite at the Emirates for his personality, with some supporters questioning Arteta’s treatment of the ‘keeper after bringing Raya to the club.

Speaking after his transfer to Southampton, Ramsdale appeared on talkSPORT, where he was quizzed on whether he has any regrets leaving Arsenal.

“No, I’ve been around football long enough to know that the manager’s decision is the manager’s decision,” Ramsdale explained.

“I tried my best to change his [Arteta’s] mind and force my way back in. His mind was set and at the same time, David [Raya] had a great season.”

Raya won the Golden Glove in the 2023/24 campaign, seeing his loan from Brentford made permanent as he committed his future to play a significant part in Arteta’s project, with no room for Ramsdale.

The Englishman admitted it was ‘tough’ to be replaced by the Spaniard but expressed his understanding of the unfortunate situation.

“You can have all the upset for 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 now I’ve found a new home. No bad blood, you’ve just got to move on.”

Arsenal had to offload Ramsdale

There was no argument over Ramsdale’s quality, with the ‘keeper showing his ability on countless occasions at Arsenal.

That being said, the Englishman’s lapses in concentration may have been the final nail in the coffin of his Arsenal career, as Arteta opted to sign Raya to take the Gunners forward.

• READ MORE: Five moments that ended Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal career

For Ramsdale’s career and for Arsenal’s clarity, it was fundamental that the shot-stopper moved on this summer after what was an eventful three-years in North London.

Many would have preferred the ending to have come in different circumstances although, all parties struck a reasonable agreement over the England international’s departure.