Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Aaron Ramsdale ahead of his return to the Emirates

Aaron Ramsdale’s situation at Arsenal was dominating chat in N5 this time last year, David Raya had just been signed and the duo were competing for the number one spot.

Despite how Mikel Arteta initially pitched it, it quickly became clear that Raya had arrived at the Emirates Stadium to become the new starting goalkeeper at Arsenal.

Of course, that decision has justified itself with time and Raya has definitely improved Arsenal, quickly becoming one of the best keepers in the Premier League.

That being said, Ramsdale understandably decided to leave north London in search of a new challenge, he wasn’t content playing a backup role.

The only surprise came when it transpired that Ramsdale would be joining newly-promoted Southampon, an England international who had recently won a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. 

Arsenal fans feel sorry for Aaron Ramsdale after ‘terrible’ Southampton decision

Whilst Ramsdale seems happy on the south coast playing for the Saints, Arsenal fans can’t quite get their head around his decision to join a side fighting for survival.

Ramsdale and Southampton shipped three goals away to Bournemouth on Monday evening, a trip that precludes their visit to the Emirates this coming weekend.

Ramsdale will face Arsenal for the first time since leaving the club, and fans have now been expressing their opinions on his situation over on X.

After Southampton’s loss on Monday one fan said: “Ramsdale got the worst advisers man, he was better off being second choice at Arsenal than moving to Southampton, a team that has no hope of surviving.

“I mean how do you go from Arsenal to a championship club? That’s a terrible move.”

Ramsdale was an incredibly popular player in north London, explaining why Arsenal fans are still following his career so closely.

Another fan sympathised: “Man I feel for Ramsdale. He’s so much better than this level.

“Unfortunately, when you are GK on > £100k a week and have barely played for an entire year, your options are limited.”

One fan did then take a second to throw it back to the Ramsdale vs Raya debate of this time last year with the benefit of hindsight.

“Looking back at this time last season, the arguments of Ramsdale vs Raya really were ridiculous.”

Arsenal still need to find their Ramsdale replacement

Although Neto came in on loan from Bournemouth to cover for Ramsdale this season, Arsenal have effectively just delayed their decision by a year as to who will replace the England international.

Arsenal wanted Joan Garcia according to reports, but weren’t willing to match Espanyol’s stiff asking price.

It’s a difficult challenge for Edu to find a goalkeeper who can compete with Raya but is also happy to be the club’s number two, especially given Raya’s relatively young age.

Perhaps Arsenal would actually be better off continuing to find experienced heads like Neto who can come in and provide cover towards the end of their career.

Although, you would imagine that Edu will ideally be looking for a homegrown option to help with the club’s Premier League quota.

Arsenalinsider