Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has now spoken out publicly about what his current objective is after a season on the sidelines.
Aaron Ramsdale fell down the pecking order at Arsenal this season.
Following the arrival of David Raya on a season-long loan deal from Brentford, Ramsdale soon found himself playing second fiddle to the Spanish shot-stopper at the Emirates Stadium.
Ramsdale started the season as Mikel Arteta’s first choice pick between the sticks, but ended the campaign with just six Premier League appearances under his belt.
Raya quickly became the Gunners’ No. 1, and despite making a few errors over the course of the season, he ultimately justified Arteta’s faith in him. The 28-year-old is an ideal tactical fit for this Arsenal side, and he forged an excellent on-field relationship with the defenders ahead of him. Arsenal are now set to shell out £27 million to sign Raya on a permanent basis.
Meanwhile, Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal this summer. The 26-year-old is certainly good enough to be a starting ‘keeper in the Premier League, having impressed for the Gunners in the past, and at this stage in his career he needs to be playing regular football.
Aaron Ramsdale reveals England ambition after Arsenal struggles
If Ramsdale isn’t able to get back to starting games for his club week in, week out soon then his international career will surely start to suffer.
The former Sheffield United man was named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary England squad ahead of the upcoming EUROs tournament. However, one of Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford will be cut from the group when the 26-man squad for the tournament itself is announced.
On this occasion, Ramsdale is likely to make the cut and go to the tournament. However, he is taking nothing for granted. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “A difficult season for me, but seeing your name [in the England squad] is a massive relief…It will be all guns blazing for all of us in the next two weeks, and really focusing on getting in the team.”
The action Arsenal must now take with Aaron Ramsdale
Once his international exploits are done with, attention will turn to Ramsdale’s future at club level. It has to be assumed that he is keen to leave the Emirates Stadium in order to play regular football elsewhere.
However, the Gunners must hold firm in the transfer market when it comes to getting a fair fee for Ramsdale. He is a proven player on a long-term contract, and they can’t afford to let him go cheaply.
If a large offer doesn’t come forward, then the 4-cap England star may be forced to face another season on the bench at the Emirates Stadium.