'Aaron's lost that smile' - Ramsdale's father insists Mikel Arteta is 'wrong' for how he's handled Arsenal goalkeeper situation with no warning given before David Raya No.1 switch

The Gunners appeared to have their long-term No.1 in place when handing starting duties to England international Ramsdale. He was, however, to see David Raya drafted in from Brentford over the summer, and the Spaniard has quickly taken over between the sticks.

Ramsdale has admitted to “suffering and hurting” after surrendering his spot, with his father telling The Highbury Squad that a sense of joy has been lost in the game for a usually confident and enigmatic character. Nick Ramsdale has said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding onto that ball at this moment in time. And it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying you need to keep smiling.”

Ramsdale senior went on to say of how Arsenal kept transfer business close to their chest, before then taking the decision to hand starting duties to Raya: “When I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron. But now, you know, David Raya’s back on the market and he’s had David Raya. 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. You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though the way it’s been done, in my eyes, it's been wrong and we can talk about that but it’s the decision. Really and truly we’ve got to get behind David Raya. He’s part of the family now. Whether it's only until May-June of next year. It won’t be, it’ll be longer in my eyes, but that’s by the by.”

There has been talk of Ramsdale making a move elsewhere, potentially in January or at the end of the season, with the 25-year-old shot-stopper having his own future to think about as he seeks regular game time at club level and further recognition with England heading towards Euro 2024.