It’s been a turbulent few years for former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Mikel Arteta axed Ramsdale in a shock turn of events during the 2023 summer transfer window.
Arsenal signed David Raya, which sparked the beginning of the end for the Englishman at the Emirates.
Though it’s become clear that Arteta made the right decision dropping Ramsdale, as Raya continues to go from strength to strength, the 27-year-old is still appreciated at Arsenal.
Aaron Ramsdale set for Arsenal competition repeat at Newcastle
Some Arsenal fans’ support of Ramsdale might dip after it was announced that the England international had joined Newcastle United on loan from Southampton.
Arsenal and Newcastle have sparked a bit of a rivalry as a result of some fierce fixtures in recent years, with the ex-Gunner now representing the enemy.
Still, Ramsdale became a Geordie with the well-wishes of many Gooners, but his return to the Premier League doesn’t symbolise the end of his struggles.
Journalist Alan Nixon reported his understanding that Newcastle are set to keep Nick Pope as their number one, with Ramsdale having to wait to have a chance in the driving seat.
Eddie Howe’s loyalty to Pope plays a part in the decision, with the Magpies rejecting offers for their number one due to their wish to have the two goalkeepers ‘scrap it out’ for the top spot.
It’s a situation that Ramsdale knows all too well, not only due to his competition with Raya, but given how things were when he first arrived in North London.
Bernd Leno started the first three games of the 2021/22 Premier League season before Ramsdale took his place, giving the Englishman an incentive to earn his place.
Admittedly, it didn’t take a lot as Leno conceded nine goals in the opening three games of the campaign, but the situation is unlikely to be the same at St James’ Park.
The shot-stopper usurped Leno, but Ramsdale was unable to compete with Raya, with competition set to be rife in the North East, too.
- READ MORE: David Seaman says Aaron Ramsdale had a ‘tough’ time at Arsenal even before David Raya arrived
The fascinating reason Ramsdale chose Newcastle
Ramsdale made the move from Arsenal to Southampton last summer, and things couldn’t have gone much worse for the 27-year-old at St Mary’s.
The former Arsenal ace was relegated with Southampton, conceding 66 goals and keeping only three clean sheets in the Premier League.
Relegation is a reason why Ramsdale decided to choose Newcastle over other suitors this summer, as the Englishman has suffered three relegations in his previous five Premier League campaigns.
Nixon confirmed that Ramsdale opted to join Howe at St James’ Park in a bid to keep relegation ‘off his CV’.
The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper wants to move away from collecting ‘unwanted’ statistics, explaining why he snubbed Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland.
Things aren’t set to be easy for Ramsdale at Newcastle, but the Englishman will surely hope that things don’t end the same way they did for him in N5.
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