'Big reality' - Arsenal boss responds to Newcastle United 'interest' in £30m star

Mikel Arteta has openly discussed Aaron Ramsdale’s future at Arsenal after reports Newcastle United were interested in the England international.

Ramsdale has spent the vast majority of the season watching on from the sidelines after losing his place to David Raya earlier in the season. The form of the on-loan Brentford stopper has limited the former Sheffield United goalkeeper to just ten starts during the campaign, with just six coming in Premier League fixtures.

Despite his lack of on-field action, Ramsdale is expected to retain his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s European Championships - but his long-term future in the Three Lions ranks could be at risk if he is unable to find regular first-team action with the Gunners or elsewhere.

Newcastle are reportedly showing an interest in a summer move for Ramsdale as Eddie Howe faces up to some major decisions over his goalkeeping department during the close-season. As it stands, Nick Pope remains Howe’s first-choice stopper and will be expected to reclaim his place in United’s starting eleven when he makes his long-awaited return from the shoulder injury he suffered against Manchester United in December.

However, United’s other goalkeeping options are facing far from certain futures. Martin Dubravka has been trusted to step in for Pope during his absence but has produced mixed displays over the last four months. The Slovakia international will move into the final year of his current deal at St James Park in the summer and he is likely to assess his options if he does lose his place to Pope. Backup options Make Gillespie and Loris Karius are out of contract this summer and the latter of that duo has suggested he would be interested in a move to Italy.

With question marks over three of their four senior stoppers, United are believed to be in the market for at least one goalkeeper this summer and the Magpies have been linked with the likes of Valencia star Giorgi Mamardashvili and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone in recent weeks. But it is the links with Ramsdale that continue to resurface and Gunners boss Arteta has responded to reported interest from the Magpies.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s home game with Luton Town, he said: “I’m not going to comment on those things. Suggestion? There is a big reality that Aaron is here because he is our player and has a contract.”