Arsenal’s former player, Paul Merson, has given advice to Aaron Ramsdale, urging him to compete for his position at the club.
In the past few weeks, Ramsdale’s future at Arsenal has been uncertain following the unexpected loan signing of David Raya from Brentford, who has become the current first-choice goalkeeper for Mikel Arteta’s team. Consequently, Ramsdale has only managed to make a single Premier League appearance since the beginning of September.
Speculation has arisen suggesting that Ramsdale may seek a transfer during the January window in order to secure regular playing time elsewhere.
Merson, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed his view, stating, “He [Ramsdale] signed a contract. They brought in another goalie, he’s number one at the moment. He’s got to fight for his place, it is as simple as that.”
He added, “When you sign these contracts for 100,000, 150,000-a-week, you can’t just go, ‘Oh I’m not in the team. I’m leaving tomorrow morning, I wanna play somewhere else’.”
Reflecting on the challenge for goalkeepers, Merson acknowledged the rarity of having two top-quality goalkeepers in a team, as is the case with Arsenal, and pointed out the limited options for Ramsdale if he seeks a move. “But where are you going to go? You’re not going to Liverpool, you are not going to Manchester United. The only one I can see is Chelsea and I don’t see Arsenal selling to Chelsea.”
Concluding his thoughts on the matter, Merson emphasized that Ramsdale, being young, has the opportunity to develop further as a goalkeeper and should persevere in fighting for his position in the team.
