Aaron Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal is over says Brad Friedel, who backs England goalkeeper after ‘harsh’ David Raya decision
Premier League great Brad Friedel is certain that Aaron Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end.
Ramsdale, the 25-year-old England international, has been on the bench for the Gunners past two games, making way for summer signing David Raya.
Raya joined from Brentford on a £3million loan deal with a purchase option of £27m, and has long been admired by new manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has insisted to the media that he will pick his goalkeeper based on tactical reasons, but the fact that Raya has started in both the Premier League and now Champions League has many questioning his statements.
One of those is Friedel, who has the third-most appearances of any goalkeeper in Premier League history, and offered his extensive insight to talkSPORT.
When asked if it’s over for Ramsdale if Raya starts this weekend’s north London derby against Tottenham, the American replied: “Absolutely.
“I thought from the second they signed him they signed him to be the new no.1, I don’t think you pay that much money for someone with one year left on their contract, I know he signed an extra contract and went on loan, but that was for other reasons.
“I think they really liked Raya so when he became available they pushed for him.”
Ramsdale joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021, leaving Sheffield United in a £30m deal.
Last season he almost helped the Gunners to a first league title in almost two decades, which Friedel thinks will see him join another top club where he can play every match.
“It’s very harsh on Ramsdale but it’s the coach's decision,” the former Liverpool and Tottenham keeper said.
“I’m assuming Ramsdale at the end of this season will end up having to do what Matt Turner did at the end of the previous season and find another place to
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