Podcaster Robbie Earle thinks Aaron Ramsdale may have to leave Arsenal immediately to keep playing regular football.
The Aaron Ramsdale topic continues to grow bigger with each passing day, and the north London Derby may have added another layer to it. Much has been spoken about the 25-year-old Arsenal ace since Mikel Arteta replaced him with David Raya against Everton.
Since then, Raya has started their next two games, including on their return to the Champions League last Wednesday. Some sections lamented Arteta’s decision not to play Ramsdale in that game, considering the 25-year-old Arsenal ace had played a huge role in the club’s return among Europe’s elite.
However, in retrospect, Ramsdale hasn’t done anything wrong to warrant getting relegated to the bench. Arteta has not indicated that Raya is his new No.1, but instead suggested he’s open to testing both his keepers on all fronts.
Hence, there’s a big chance for Ramsdale to return between the sticks for Arsenal. However, if Raya continues to keep playing in the 25-year-old Arsenal ace’s place, then the England international can consider himself as the club’s No.2 for sure.
In the week since Raya started playing, the media have already reported stories on Ramsdale’s desire to leave in January. There were links to Chelsea and Bayern Munich, but those do seem far-fetched given the context of the whole situation.
Some pundits have also given out their opinions on the situation, with Micah Richards suggesting Arsenal should have sold Ramsdale in the summer after they signed Raya. However, Arteta may feel the need to have two top-class keepers among his ranks and could use the situation to the club’s benefit.
Now, Robbie Earle of the 2 Robbies Podcast thinks Ramsdale should leave Arsenal at the next available opportunity. He feels the England star should play regularly elsewhere to stand a chance to represent England and also keep his career trajectory intact.
Earle said, “I thought today was telling and I’ve got to admit last night I was thinking about it and I was wondering if he’ll go back to Ramsdale today,”
“Big game, North London Derby; he’s played in those big games and never let anybody down; then we’ll see if there is a bit of a balance between the two or is it one or the other.
“Ramsdale, as much as he’s supporting from the side and is a big personality, looks like he’s going to be number two.
“His England ambitions for the Euros coming up, it’s going to be interesting to see if and at what stage he decides he needs to move to play first-team football. He’s not going to be happy sitting on the side.”
Similarly, Gabby Agbonlahor also suggested Ramsdale should leave Arsenal and finds an opportunity elsewhere. As things stand, Arsenal have the power to determine his future. For starters, the keeper only signed a new deal back in May, and even if they decided to sell him, the price tag would seem enormous.
For now, it’s best to sit patiently and wait for the next opportunity. Surely, there will come a time when Arteta evaluates his two stars properly and then makes a firm decision on the situation.
