Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas says a falling out between manager Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale is the only logical explanation for the goalkeeper being dropped
Gallas said in an interview with Genting Casino that Arteta’s decision to bench Ramsdale and replace him with David Raya was not based on his performances for the Gunners:
“What happened between Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale? What happened? Something must have happened between them or between Ramsdale and the club because it’s very difficult to understand how this guy was dropped after giving Arsenal two really good seasons.”
“After those performances, now he is on the bench. Something must have happened at the club. What is certain is that something must have gone on. I’m sorry. You can’t put a goalkeeper who had two great seasons with the club on the bench like Arteta has done.”
Raya was something Arteta had always desired
Rather than being about Ramsdale, as Gallas believes, the decision to dismiss the England international is more than likely down to Arteta’s (and his goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana’s) preference for his replacement, David Raya.
It is commonly reported that Arsenal attempted to capture the Spanish international from Brentford in 2021 before signing Ramsdale from Sheffield United instead.
Ramsdale was taken aback by the decision
In a recent interview, Ramsdale’s father, Nick, said that his son had no idea he’d be demoted and Raya would be called in.
The 25-year-old had only recently signed a new contract, so there was no indication that a successor was on the way. The keeper’s future is currently quite unknown, with Chelsea and Newcastle said to be interested in signing him during the January transfer window.
