Aaron Ramsdale’s father blasts Arteta over Arsenal goalkeeper saga

In an interview, Aaron Ramsdale’s father revealed how his son is coping with his fallen status at Arsenal and how Mikel Arteta has handled things.

Nick Ramsdale, the father of Aaron Ramsdale, has criticized Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Ramsdale has been struggling and feeling disheartened over Arteta’s lack of communication. His father feels he has lost his “smile”, with David Raya’s summer arrival from Brentford having relegated him to the bench.

“Aaron’s lost that smile too when he was holding on to that ball at this moment in time and it is difficult,” Nick Ramsdale said on The Highbury Squad podcast.

“It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying: ‘You need to keep smiling’.”

Ramsdale signed a new contract with Arsenal until 2026 in May, three months before Raya arrived on loan. The 25-year-old started Arsenal’s first four Premier League games of the season. He has since made just two appearances for the club, which came in the Carabao Cup.

Arteta has said that he has no No.1 keeper in the past, insisting he has the same stance for every player in each position. The manager, though, has praised Ramsdale’s attitude under the circumstances.

“It’s possibly the way it’s been done,” Nick continued. “Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don’t know why. Again, Aaron is working as hard as he can. He’s trying to do his best for the squad. He’s upbeat and he’ll do everything for Arsenal to try and win the league.”

He added: “Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off. Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody.”