“I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision,” said Mikel Arteta in a recent interview.

The Arsenal manager was responding to a question about why he had dropped Ramsdale for David Raya in the last few games. Arteta has been criticized by some fans for the decision, but he has insisted that it is based on what he believes is best for the team.

“I’m not going to speak about Aaron’s quality because I think he’s an exceptional goalkeeper,” Arteta continued. “He’s shown that since he’s been at the club and he’s shown it for England as well.”

Arteta signed Ramsdale from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £24 million. The signing was met with mixed reactions from Arsenal fans, with some questioning whether it was necessary to spend so much money on a goalkeeper.

However, Ramsdale quickly established himself as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper, displacing Bernd Leno from the starting lineup. He had an excellent first season at the club, making 34 Premier League appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets.

Ramsdale was also called up to the England squad for the first time in November 2021. He made his England debut in March 2022 and has since gone on to win five caps.

Arteta’s decision to drop Ramsdale for Raya has come as a surprise to some, but the manager has insisted that it is not a reflection on Ramsdale’s quality.

“I’m just trying to make the best decisions for the team,” Arteta said. “I have two very good goalkeepers and I’m going to pick the one that I think will give us the best chance of winning.”

It remains to be seen whether Ramsdale will win back his place in the Arsenal starting lineup. However, Arteta’s defense of the goalkeeper suggests that he is still highly valued by the club.