Former Arsenal striker Andy Cole has criticised manager Mikel Arteta for his handling of Aaron Ramsdale this season.
Ramsdale was Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper last season however the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford saw the former shot-stopper frozen out by Arteta for almost all of the season and the former Newcastle United striker has ripped into Arteta for his treatment.
“I think he’s been hard done by, I really do. He was so good for Arsenal last season and then all of a sudden, Mikel Arteta goes out and buys a new ‘keeper [David Raya] and claims he has two No1’s, which is complete nonsense. The way he’s disregarded Ramsdale has been really disrespectful. He’s mugged him off basically,” he said.
Andy Cole also suggested a move away from North London should be considered by the shot-stopper.
“Nine times out of ten, when a player moves to a different club, they’re meant to be their new club’s No1 in that position. If Aaron makes the move [to Newcastle], he will be Newcastle’s No1 goalkeeper. I likNo. 1ow he goes about his business and he deserves to be treated with a bit more respect, so if he does move on from Arsenal, then he certainly would do a good job at Newcastle.” He added.
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Arteta has cautioned Ramsdale that discussions regarding his future at Arsenal will not occur until the season’s conclusion, leaving uncertainty about the goalkeeper’s plans. It remains to be seen if Ramsdale would contemplate departing Arsenal.
🤨 “I’m not quite sure where Arsenal are going, to be honest.”
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Andy Cole isn’t sure what direction Mikel Arteta is taking Arsenal pic.twitter.com/0mq6oU3Mqw
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 4, 2021
Cole advocates for Ramsdale’s potential move to Newcastle United.
Despite Arteta’s stance, Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table with seven matches remaining indicates that his decision has not adversely affected the team.