I had to play second fiddle for years at Arsenal… if Aaron Ramsdale doesn’t get his place back soon, he should quit

11 months ago 71

AARON RAMSDALE has been told to weigh up his January options by an ex-Arsenal keeper who grew tired of playing second fiddle.

Vito Mannone was Emirates understudy to Wojciech Szczesny before he jumped ship for Sunderland in 2013.

Aaron Ramsdale’s place has been taken by David Raya at Arsenal[/caption]

Vito Mannone previously played second fiddle at the Emirates[/caption]

And the Italian urged Ramsdale to think very carefully if David Raya keeps getting the nod.

Lille keeper Mannone, now 35, said: “It’s not easy but in Ramsdale’s place I’d have taken it badly.

“My advice to him is to keep working.

“I waited eight years before I became a Premier League regular, Emi Martinez had to wait ten years before stealing the show.

“He also had many loans and paid his dues. But those who work and bide their time eventually end up making it.

“But if Ramsdale’s moment won’t come again, he should look for it elsewhere! There’s not much else he can do.

“I lost my place after a great year. It was tough to accept.”

Raya arrived on loan from Brentford in August despite Ramsdale being superb last term.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta favours Raya for his ability with the ball at his feet and Ramsdale has made just one Premier League appearance since his rival got the nod in early September — and that was only because Raya could not play against his parent club.

Mannone added: “The top sides want two great goalies who are ready to play at any moment.

“I was No 1 and back-up, and I can tell you that when you’re first choice you need the board and the second keeper’s backing.

“When you have two potential first-choice keepers it doesn’t make it any easier for the manager.

“If Arteta is proud, he sticks with Raya but if he’s clever he picks the best and more in-form keeper.”

Arsenal are in the battle for the title but Mannone would not put his money on the league leaders going the distance just yet — because they topped the pile in 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2023 before they collapsed.

And Mannone, who spent eight years on the club’s books until 2013, said: “Arsenal are always top of the table at Christmas before bottling it. And I’ve been through it myself many times. There’s always difficulties in seeing the job home.”

Mannone shared a dressing room with Arteta at the Emirates.

He added: “Even as a captain, Mikel always had this verve and leadership and he’s a great manager. I hope he reaps the rewards of the job he’s done. Let’s hope it’s the right time.”