Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas says a falling out between manager Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale is the only logical explanation for the goalkeeper being dropped.

Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas claimed that Arteta’s decision to bench Ramsdale and replace him with David Raya was not based on his performances for the Gunners:

“What happened between Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale? What happened? Something must have happened between them or between Ramsdale and the club because it’s very difficult to understand how this guy was dropped after giving Arsenal two really good seasons.”

“After those performances, now he is on the bench. Something must have happened at the club. What is certain is that something must have gone on. I’m sorry. You can’t put a goalkeeper who had two great seasons with the club on the bench like Arteta has done.”

Arteta had always wanted Raya

Rather than it being about Ramsdale, as Gallas suggests, the decision to drop the England international is more than likely to do with the fact that Arteta (and his goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana) rate his replacement, David Raya, more highly.

It is widely known that Arsenal tried to sign the Spanish international from Brentford in 2021 before they secured the services of Ramsdale from Sheffield United instead.

Ramsdale was blindsided by the decision

In a recent interview, Ramsdale’s father Nick revealed that his son had no clue that he would lose his place and that Raya would be brought in.

The 25-year-old had only signed a new contract back in May, so there was no hint that a replacement was set to arrive. The keeper’s future is now very uncertain, with speculation that the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle could make a move for him during the January transfer window.

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