Arsene Wenger has questioned £27m Arteta decision that ‘doesn’t work’ at Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Iconic former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has questioned the demotion of Aaron Ramsdale and the manner in which Mikel Arteta uses his goalkeepers.

Arsenal signed David Raya on a season-long loan deal from Brentford in the recent summer transfer window. The Gunners are expected to pay £27 million to make the 28-year-old’s switch to the Emirates Stadium permanent. 

Early this season, Raya usurped Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order. Even though the Spaniard has had some difficult moments, and he’s taken his share of criticism since becoming the number one, Mikel Arteta has kept faith in him.

Raya and Ramsdale are both top class ‘keepers. Both will still believe that they can win the ultimate battle to be the established first choice shot-stopper for the long term. It is rare for a club to have two goalkeepers of such standing on the books at the same time. Arsene Wenger believes there is good reason for this.

Arsene Wenger at odds with Mikel Arteta view on Aaron Ramsdale

Speaking on beIN Sports, the Frenchman was asked if it is important to always have a clearly defined No. 1 ‘keeper. Wenger said, “always. That’s my belief, I don’t believe in rotation with goalkeepers, I don’t believe in a lack of clarity of the hierarchy with goalkeepers. That doesn’t work.”

Clearly, Arteta is not quite of the same opinion. The Spanish coach is obviously convinced that the increased competition between Raya and Ramsdale will bring the best out of both of them.

As things stand, Raya is winning that particular fight. However, Wenger has now said, “personally I like Ramsdale. If I was in his position I would not give up. I believe he has the chance to come back into the team…I don’t know if he’s better [than Raya]. I just think Ramsdale has made decisive saves in the games last season.”

Ramsdale can certainly feel unfortunate to have lost his starting place for Arsenal. He has discussed the pain that this demotion has caused him. 

The 25-year-old is a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and plenty will be backing him to win his place back. However, if he hasn’t established himself as the first choice again by the end of the season then he surely has to look to move on from the club for the good of his own career.