Mikel Arteta has told Aaron Ramsdale not to rush any decision around his Arsenal future amid fears he could lose his place in the England squad ahead of next summer’s Euros.
David Raya has overtaken Ramsdale as Arsenal’s No1 since joining in the summer and the England goalkeeper has made three appearances since the start of September.
Ramsdale opened up on the situation last month and admitted he was in danger of “falling by the wayside” for England if he did not force his way back into Arteta’s plans.
The 25-year-old was on Thursday included in England’s latest squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia later this month.
But Gareth Southgate said he cannot guarantee Ramsdale a place in the England squad for Euro 2024 if he does not get back into the Arsenal team.
That has led to speculation Ramsdale could ask to leave in January and asked about that possible scenario, Arteta said: “Well, first of all my door is open to speak about any player.
“We just want the best for our players and we try to do that, and we know the influence that we can have - sometimes positively, sometimes not so positively, towards them.
“We will always try to do our best to help them, but this is a team sport that needs 24 players that have to fulfil a role.
“And the role that you have in August, it might be very different to the one you have in March. So making early decisions, in my experience, is not something good at all and as well because the team has certain needs that has to be accomplished.
“And in order to do that you cannot do it with six, 10 or 14 players. It is impossible. So you need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team.”
Ramsdale has been linked with clubs already since losing his place, with both Bayern Munich and Chelsea named as possible destinations.
“I have no messages for any clubs,” said Arteta, when asked about Arsenal’s stance or what he would tell interested parties.
“I can talk a little bit about my players, how much I like my players, how much I like Aaron and that we want Aaron with us, that’s for sure.”
Arsenal are taking on Burnley this weekend and they are at risk of being without eight first-team players.
“As you mentioned we have a few [doubts]. A few still in contention,” said Arteta. “We need to give them 24 more hours to give them a chance. We won’t know anything till tomorrow.
“[Jurrien] Timber is for sure not. Thomas Partey for sure out. Probably Emile [Smith Rowe] is out. There might be a few more.”
Arsenal have five players who could make it back. Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard are pushing too, but they are not as likely to make it back as Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Saka landed awkwardly on his ankle during Wednesday’s win over Sevilla and had to come off with five minutes to go, but he has been called up by England for games against Malta and North Macedonia later this month.
“We want our players to play for their club and their national team,” said Arteta. “B had to leave the pitch because he was in quite a lot of pain. He didn’t train yesterday. Let’s see if he can make it tomorrow.”
