Mikel Arteta wants Aaron Ramsdale to remain at Arsenal but can't guarantee stay as he faces David Raya battle

Mikel Arteta insists he wants goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to remain at Arsenal despite losing his first-team place to David Raya.

England international Ramsdale has been relegated to a back-up role as loan signing Raya has replaced him as No. 1.

There has been speculation that the situation could lead to Ramsdale, who started every game in the Premier League for Arsenal last season, looking to leave in January.

But speaking ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash with Luton, Arteta said: "I want Aaron with us.

"I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us.

"We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That's the intention that we have."

Ramsdale has made only three club appearances in all competitions since early September.

England manager Gareth Southgate has said there will be no “guarantees” for Ramsdale ahead of Euro 2024 if he isn’t playing regularly.

But Arteta said he "doesn't expect" that to be an issue.

"He's willing to play. Like any player, he wants to play for Arsenal," Arteta added. "That's what he wants to do. Then the other is a consequence.

"And as well for England, it's not like he has started a lot of games, so hopefully we can help him be better here so then he can play for England.”

Newcastle could be in the market for a goalkeeper in January after No. 1 Nick Pope was ruled out for several months with a shoulder injury.

Despite saying he wants Ramsdale to stay at the Emirates, Arteta could not say for certain that it will happen.

"I won't do that to any player. Any player," he said. "I cannot tell you that any Arsenal player is not going to leave in January. Or he is to stay here for the next three years.

"I won't say that no player is going to go to Newcastle. Or no member of the staff either. I won't say it. If you say yes or no, I won't say it.

"I cannot guarantee that nobody is going to be leaving in January. For Newcastle or any other club. So it is a no."

Arsenal travel to Luton on Tuesday looking to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

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