Rio Ferdinand makes clear Aaron Ramsdale Arsenal point as David Raya doubt explained

Former Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand has criticised Mikel Arteta's handling of the goalkeeper situation at Arsenal. The Gunners boss replaced Aaron Ramsdale as his first-choice No.1 for David Raya this season following the Spaniard's move from Brentford.

Raya moved to the Emirates Stadium for an initial £3million loan at the back end of the summer transfer window. The 28-year-old is expected to complete a £27million move at the end of the season.

Raya has missed just one game in the Premier League and the Champions League combined since making the move. Ramsdale had been the Gunners' goalkeeper for two consecutive seasons, but he has only made two appearances since losing his place to Raya — both coming in the Carabao Cup.

On Saturday, Ramsdale returned to the starting XI in the Premier League against Brentford, making his first start in the league since the 3-1 win over Manchester United in September. Premier League rules mean Raya is unable to feature against Brentford due to technically still being their player.

And in the build-up to the clash at the GTech Community Stadium, the goalkeeper debate at the Emirates Stadium was the talk of the studio between TNT Sports duo Ferdinand and Peter Crouch. Speaking about Ramsdale's unfortunate situation at Arsenal, Ferdinand placed doubts over the England international's future in north London.

«I don’t think today matters, whatever happens he’ll be the number two goalkeeper at Arsenal,» he said. «It doesn’t matter what the manager says publicly, I don’t think Raya’s position is under threat at all.

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