Mikel Arteta reveals reasons behind his ‘very difficult’ decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale in favour of David Raya at Arsenal and praises the response of the England international despite ‘suffering’ from the choice

• Mikel Arteta opened up on the decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya 
•  Raya played in Arsenal’s last two matches after joining from Brentford on loan
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up on the decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya, admitting that he ‘suffers’ alongside the goalkeeper.

The Spaniard has played Raya in consecutive matches after bringing him in on loan from Brentford this summer.

There was much debate over whether he would opt for Ramsdale, who started the season in net, or choose the new man.

Arteta has previously admitted that he is seeking to have two number one’s at Arsenal, who can be play regularly.

He has now opened up on the decision to leave Ramsdale out in recent week, as he revealed:  ‘Very difficult with every player. I suffer. I care about every player that is not playing.’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opened up on the decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale

David Raya played consecutive matches after joining on loan from Brentford this summer

Arteta continued to praise Ramsdale’s reaction in training after the news

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The head coach continued to discuss his reasoning for dropping Ramsdale, admitting that he is looking out for the interests of his side.

‘This is the competition, this is my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team,’ he said.

The Arsenal boss went on to praise Ramsdale for his reaction to being dropped.

He said: ‘He’s been very supportive and really good around the place. That’s what I expect from every player.’

It remains to be seen as to whether Raya will keep his place as Arsenal’s first choice across all competitions this season, having played in the last Premier League and Champions League game.

Arteta continued to discuss the importance of captain Martin Odegaard, who signed a new contract. 

‘Great news for the team,’ Arteta said when discussing the extension. ‘Really happy for him he deserves that. 

‘It just shows that there are many ways to make it, many pathways and ways to arrive where you want. At the end it is about finding a place to feel comfortable and express your talent. 

‘He’s loved by everybody, respected by everybody and he fully deserves what he’s doing’ 

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