It’s ‘inevitable’ £30m Arsenal star will leave this summer after Mikel Arteta decision

Add as preferred source on Google

Aaron Ramsdale is almost certain to leave Arsenal this summer. 

There has been speculation about the future of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for some time.

It has long been clear that summer signing David Raya is now Mikel Arteta’s first choice between the sticks. 

Ramsdale has spent much of this season relegated to a place on the bench, even in spite of Raya’s early struggles at the Emirates Stadium when many fans were calling for the England man to be reinstated in the starting XI.

There is now no way back for Ramsdale at Arsenal, though. However, Arsenal made it clear to the 25-year-old that he would not be allowed to leave the club in the recent January transfer window. The £30 million former Sheffield United man is still required to provide a proven and experienced back-up option to Raya. 

There is an acceptance, though, that Ramsdale’s long-term future lies away from the club. As reported by The Athletic, it is “inevitable” that he will be sold in the upcoming summer transfer market. 

Will Mikel Arteta be proved right about Aaron Ramsdale?

The four-cap England international is unlikely to be short of suitors. When he was playing regularly for the Gunners he showed that he could shine at the highest level.

At this stage in his career, he needs to be playing week in, week out, certainly for the sake of his international career. To what extent his exile at Arsenal will impact his chances of being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s upcoming EURO 2024 tournament remains to be seen.

As for Arteta, Ramsdale’s eventual departure will mark the ultimate consequence of his decision to make Raya the Arsenal No. 1. Time will tell how fondly that decision is looked back upon by the club’s supporters. It was certainly a high-risk call for the Spanish coach to make, as there was no clamour for an upgrade on Ramsdale, who remains a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

There is pressure on Raya, too, to step up and prove he is worthy of the faith Arteta has shown in him. Recent performances from the 28-year-old have been solid, though he has not often been overly tested. He can expect to be busier this afternoon when Liverpool come to north London.

How Raya performs in huge fixtures such as this one will truly determine whether or not he is a worthy successor to Ramsdale.