Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale says the scrutiny he received in the wake of being dropped for David Raya did his “head in”. 26-year-old Ramsdale joined Southampton in the summer and faces his old side on Saturday for the first time since ending his three-year stay in north London.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has heaped praise on David Raya ahead of his return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Raya, 29, joined Arsenal on loan last summer and he displaced Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice almost instantly,

Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his Arsenal rival David Raya was among the first people to offer him a congratulatory message upon confirmation of his summer move to Southampton. The England international played a key part in helping Arsenal establish themselves as title contenders under Mikel Arteta and looked set to spend the peak years of his career in north London after signing a new long-term contract 18 months ago.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted he will be forced to make a late decision over David Raya’s fitness as his side prepare to host Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday. The goalkeeper sustained a muscle injury against Manchester City last weekend and missed the Gunners’ Carabao Cup victory over Bolton on Wednesday.

Aaron Ramsdale will return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend where he will be lining up opposite the man who stole his place and prompted his exit.