"He’s too good not to play" - Aaron Ramsdale urged by former teammate to leave Arsenal this summer
Aaron Ramsdale has been urged by Asmir Begovic to leave Arsenal in search of consistent playing time. The English goalkeeper has been replaced in the starting XI by David Raya, who was signed on an initial loan deal by Mikel Arteta last year.
Even though Ramsdale retained his position in the XI for the first few weeks last season, Raya quickly became the club's No. 1. And he hasn't given up that position since, evidenced by his 32 league appearances for the Gunners.
Ramsdale featured in the remaining six. Despite the lack of playing time, the 26-year-old was named in England's UEFA Euro 2024 squad, but that trend may stop if he continues to be a benchwarmer.
Begovic acknowledges that it could be a tough scenario if Arsenal don't let Ramsdale leave, but he has still advised him to seek greener pastures. The two were teammates for a brieft stint at Bournemouth. He told TalkSPORT (via HITC):
"Yeah, with how good Aaron is, he is too good not to play. I know the luxury of Arsenal and these top clubs who try to have two elite world-class goalkeepers on the books, but it gets really difficult.
“So it’s got to be pulling on Aaron’s strings, he wants to play – he’s too good not to play. It’s not easy of course with other factors such as valuations to be met but if you’re him he’s too good not to play. He probably should go, he needs to go for his career and his England chances, but if Arsenal don’t let him go he’s still under contract and paying his wages so it’s a really tricky situation.”
Ramsdale has 32 clean sheets in 89 appearances for the Gunners since his €28 million transfer from Sheffield United in 2021. He still has two years left on his contract.
Premier League rivals end interest in Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale - Reports
According to the Athletic (via Sportsmole), Chelsea are not considering a swoop for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale. Instead, they have shifted their focus towards 22-year-old Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
This means Ramsdale may well be one suitor short ahead of the start of the new season, but that doesn't mean he isn't a wanted man. Newcastle United and Southampton are reportedly keen on signing the five-cap England international.
According to TalkSPORT (via GiveMeSport), the Gunners are also open to loaning out the former Sheffield United man. However, it seems they will sell him if a club meets their £35 million (€41.51m) valuation of the player. It remains to be seen if he will settle for a temporary solution over a more permanent one.