Aaron Ramsdale has revealed what David Raya did following his Arsenal departure for Southampton(Image: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images))

Aaron Ramsdale makes David Raya feelings clear before Arsenal return after Mikel Arteta message

Latest Arsenal news before the Southampton Premier League clash and subsequent return of Aaron Ramsdale

05 Oct 2024, 10:30 by Kieran Horn · football.london

Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his thoughts on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ahead of his return to Emirates Stadium with Southampton. The England international lost his place in the starting XI just a few weeks on from Raya's arrival and he failed to reclaim his spot which saw him seek an exit this past summer.

Newcastle and Wolves were among those interested but it was the Saints that secured his signature in a deal worth £24million, including add-ons. Considering the context, it was a good deal for both clubs with Mikel Arteta commenting on his departure and character before his return on Saturday.

"I called him straight away after I got the news," the Arsenal boss said on Friday in a press conference. "He was really happy. He’s a player that we loved a lot, very charismatic and he really put his fingerprints here at the club in the way that he was. It will be very good to see him.

"It is because personally I am grateful for what he did. When we signed him there was a lot of noise around him. We helped to create the environment he needed because we believed in his potential. He showed it and won the respect and admiration of all of us.

"And then the circumstances changed because this is elite sport and can happen. Then it was difficult to deal with that situation in a natural way and we decided to part ways. Hopefully he is grateful as well."

In the opposite goal to Ramsdale this afternoon will be Raya and though the Spain international took away Ramsdale's spot between the sticks, he seemingly holds no hard feelings and given what Raya did following his departure, that is no surprise.

As quoted by The Metro, he said: "I did an interview with David Seaman after my new contract. I said I wanted to emulate him an be there for eight to 10 years and a couple of months later I was out of the team.

"I tried my hardest to dislodge David I do think now the rewards are showing. He’s started the season incredibly well. He was actually the first person to text me from Arsenal after my move here."

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