Transfer Centre

Mikel Arteta reiterates desire to keep Aaron Ramsdale amid Newcastle United rumours

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 05 December 2023

Arsenal boss Arteta reiterates desire to keep Ramsdale

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reiterates his desire to keep goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates Stadium, despite links with Newcastle United.

Mikel Arteta has reiterated that goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will remain at the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.

During his opening two years with the Gunners, Ramsdale was the recognised number one, only enhancing his reputation after joining from Sheffield United.

However, after the September international break, Arteta made the decision to hand game time to new arrival David Raya, signed on an initial loan deal from Brentford.

Since then, Ramsdale has largely been selected on the substitutes' bench with two of his three appearances coming in the EFL Cup, while his only outing in the Premier League was a result of Raya being unable to face his parent club.

Speculation is now persisting that Ramsdale will eventually push for a transfer away from Arsenal, despite them occupying top spot in the Premier League.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale reacts on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

The 25-year-old has acknowledged that he may have to find first-team football elsewhere in order to protect his place in the England squad in the long term.

More recently, Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in Ramsdale, a consequence of Nick Pope suffering a dislocated shoulder last weekend that will keep him sidelined until the early spring.

Arteta was naturally quizzed on the situation at a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of Arsenal's visit to Luton Town, but he was quick to lay down his stance over Ramsdale's future.

He told reporters, as quoted by BBC Sport: "I want Aaron with us. I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu react on September 27, 2023 © Reuters

"We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That's the intention that we have."

Ramsdale has a total of 32 clean sheets from his 86 matches for Arsenal, with three of those shutouts coming in seven outings in all competitions during 2023-24.

While his current contract is due to expire in 2026, it has been suggested that there is the option of a 12-month option being activated, strengthening Arsenal's position.

Arsenal are already in line to pay in the region of £27m for Raya next summer with the Spaniard having activated the required clauses in Arsenal's agreement with Brentford.