Arsenal's goalkeeper situation has taken centre stage as former Gunner Emiliano Martinez weighs in on Aaron Ramsdale's predicament. The Aston Villa shot-stopper, who left Arsenal in 2020, believes Ramsdale should consider moving on from the Emirates to secure regular playing time.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Martinez didn't mince words about Ramsdale's current status at Arsenal. Martinez stated,
"When you play every game in the Premier League and then you drop to the bench with the quality that Aaron has, I think he should find a place to play where he feels loved. He is a player that England needs in their goalkeeping area. He has a great future."
The Argentine keeper emphasised the importance of consistent game time for Ramsdale's growth and his prospects with the England national team.
Emi Martinez hopes Ramsdale avoids His Arsenal fate
The 2023/24 season began with an unexpected twist for Ramsdale. After just three Premier League matches, he found himself relegated to the bench, with manager Mikel Arteta favouring David Raya between the posts. This sudden change has cast a shadow over Ramsdale's future at Arsenal.
Martinez's advice comes from a place of personal experience. During the 2019/20 season, he finally got his chance to shine at Arsenal, playing a crucial role in the club's FA Cup victory. However, Arteta's decision to reinstate Bernd Leno as the first-choice keeper prompted Martinez's move to Aston Villa, where he has flourished under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.
Martinez hints at Ramsdale's potential destination
In a separate conversation with the Daily Mirror, Martinez dropped a hint about Ramsdale's possible next move. "I heard he might go to Wolves, which I think could be a good move for him," he revealed, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding the English goalkeeper's future.
Ramsdale's journey at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster ride. He joined the club in 2021 for a hefty £30 million, making him Arsenal's most expensive goalkeeper. Initially, he made a strong impression, playing every league match as the Gunners mounted a serious challenge for the Premier League title in the 2022-23 season.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal: More than just a match
As Arsenal and Aston Villa prepare to face off in their upcoming Premier League fixture, Martinez's comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. Villa, now under Emery's guidance, completed a league double over the Gunners last season, dealing a significant blow to Arsenal's title aspirations.
While Martinez's advice might not sit well with some Arsenal supporters, it highlights the tough decisions players often face in their pursuit of regular first-team football.