Aaron Ramsdale has now sent Mikel Arteta a ‘never again’ warning after opening up on the ‘tough’ situation the England goalkeeper faced at Arsenal throughout the season.
The 26-year-old is currently in Germany helping the Three Lions prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday. Gareth Southgate opted to name Ramsdale in his final 26-man team for the UEFA championship to give England crucial depth behind Jordan Pickford.
Ramsdale made only the Arsenal star’s fifth cap for his country as England lost to Iceland in a pre-tournament friendly. He is also still to play at a major tournament, despite Euro 2024 marking his third inclusion at a championship following Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Aaron Ramsdale admits he ‘never’ wants to spend another season on a bench
Question marks lingered about whether Southgate would name Ramsdale in England’s Euro 2024 side following his demise at Arsenal, too. The Chesterton-born shot-stopper fell out of favour at Emirates Stadium this season after Arteta took David Raya on loan from Brentford.
Ramsdale was the undisputed No1 in north London in 2022/23 and was one of four Arsenal players in the PFA Team of the Year. Yet Arteta felt Raya would represent an upgrade on the ball and ultimately brought the Spaniard in after three Premier League games on the bench.
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The rise of Raya ensured Ramsdale only returned to their team in the Premier League when Arsenal faced Brentford. He spent 31 fixtures as an unused substitute while his replacement won the Golden Glove. Now, Ramsdale admits he ‘never’ wants to be in that situation again.
“No footballer wants to not play,” Ramsdale admitted to talkSPORT. “I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again.”
Arsenal have slapped a £50m price tag on Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale stating that he ‘never’ wants to spend another season as a No2 serves as a clear warning for Arsenal and Arteta. He has left zero doubt that the goalkeeper’s future will be away from Emirates Stadium upon returning from Euro 2024 if Raya is their No1 next term.
The question now is which club will sign Ramsdale with Newcastle United prioritising James Trafford of Burnley this summer. Ben Jacobs reports that the Toon admire Ramsdale but are optimistic about sealing a £20m deal with the Clarets if the clubs can settle on the add-ons.
A move abroad could appeal to Ramsdale as he is open to exploring a new challenge on the continent. His priority is to be the No1 goalkeeper at a club next season. But The Sun claims Arsenal value Ramsdale at £50m and will demand at least £40m is paid in a guaranteed fee.