Arsenal legend David Seaman says Aaron Ramsdale may be forced into leaving the Emirates if it becomes clear that manager Mikel Arteta classes him as the number 2 goalkeeper.

With David Raya ineligible to play against his parent club Brentford, Ramsdale will be recalled to the starting lineup for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, but Seaman claims the 25-year-old will know more about where he stands if he is dropped again for the game against Lens next Wednesday:

“If he’s not playing [for Arsenal], it’s going to affect his [England] chances. Going into next summer, where Aaron is really pushing to become England goalkeeper – he needs to be playing.”

“If Aaron goes in at the weekend, then he’s left out for the next game, then we know who Mikel’s number one is. It’s not good for Aaron. He’s a top-class goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that.”

Ramsdale has played just two games since being dropped

Raya didn’t immediately take the England international’s place in the starting eleven, following his arrival from Brentford but, after Arteta decided to change keepers following the September international break, Ramsdale has found game time hard to come by.

Saturday’s fixture will be his first appearance in the Premier League since the 3-1 win over Manchester United. He has been restricted to just two outings in the Carabao Cup since then.

Rival Premier League teams have been credited with an interest in the Arsenal goalkeeper

Immediately after he was dropped, the shot-stopper was linked with transfers to both Chelsea and Newcastle United. However, neither team are expected to prioritise a bid for Ramsdale during the January transfer window.

If the Gunners keeper wants more minutes to ensure that he is in the England squad for the European Championships, he may need to find himself a loan move.

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