31 December 2023 , 01:31
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David Seaman wants Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to resist a January transfer, amid interest from Newcastle and Chelsea.
Ramsdale, 25, has lost his spot at the Emirates since David Raya was signed from Brentford on a season-long loan in August, with a view to making that temporary switch permanent next summer. The Englishman has played just three games in the last three months.
Ramsdale's lack of minutes has sparked rumours of a potential exit in January. He's been linked with a loan move to St James' Park following Nick Pope's serious shoulder injury, while Chelsea have lost their No.1 stopper Robert Sanchez to a knee problem.
Yet, rather than leave in January, Seaman believes Ramsdale would be better off fighting for his place under Mikel Arteta. He acknowledges that Ramsdale will have to make a decision on his future at some point, especially considering his England career.
"No, I don't want him to leave the club at all," Seaman, who won three league titles during his time as Arsenal's goalkeeper, told talkSPORT. "Raya has come in and I think now we're seeing you know why he's in there because with his feet he's brilliant.
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"It's still 50-50 for me and I'm happy that we've got two really good quality goalkeepers at the club. But the main factor that you've got to do is make sure that whoever's not in is happy. Ramsdale's also got England to look after as well."
Aaron Ramsdale's time at Arsenal could be up (Getty Images)Do you agree with David Seaman? Let us know in the comments below!
England will travel to Germany in June for Euro 2024 and Ramsdale could miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate's squad if he fails to break back into Arsenal's starting XI. Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone, Dean Henderson and James Trafford will all fancy their chances of getting the nod, while Pope will also be in contention if he recovers in time.
Seaman added: "He's England's No 2, he's pushing for the Euros, so he needs to play. But, for me, he doesn't leave in January. Come the end of the season, let's see what happens."
Arteta also wants Ramsdale to stay at the Emirates. He told reporters earlier this month: "I want Aaron with us. I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us... He's willing to play. Like any player, he wants to play for Arsenal."
Arteta added: "For England it's not like he has started a lot of games, so hopefully we can help him be better here so then he can play for England. We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That's the intention that we have."
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