‘Mugged him off’ - Newcastle United owners sent brutal transfer warning by club legend

Andy Cole believes Arsenal forgotten man Aaron Ramsdale would do “a good job” for Newcastle United.

Reports have linked the 25-year-old with a move to Tyneside amid the ongoing goalkeeper crisis. Nick Pope has been the undisputed No.1 at St James’ Park since arriving from Burnley almost two years ago.

However, reaggravating a shoulder injury against Manchester United has sidelined the 31-year-old for five months. Martin Dubravka has deputised in his absence, with Loris Karius also being called upon.

Pope’s injury has seen Newcastle ship in a staggering 35 goals in 17 games - triggering doubts about the goalkeeping spot. Ramsdale, on the other hand, has been frozen out by Mikel Arteta despite being named in the Premier League Team of the Season last year.

A move away appears inevitable and the Gunners would reportedly accept around £30million. Former Toon goal machine Cole has backed Ramsdale to succeed at Newcastle - but warned about him needing to be No.1.

“Nine times out of ten, when a player moves to a different club, they’re meant to be their new club’s No.1 centre-forward, centre-half, goalkeeper or whatever it may be," Cole told Betfred. "If Aaron makes the move, he will be Newcastle’s No.1 goalkeeper.

“I think he’s been hard done by, I really do. He was so good for Arsenal last season and then all of a sudden, Mikel Arteta has gone out and got a new goalkeeper and initially claimed that he had two number ones, which was complete nonsense from day one. 

“The way he’s disregarded Ramsdale has been really disrespectful. He’s mugged him off basically. I like how he goes about his business and he deserves to be treated with a bit more respect, so if he does move on from Arsenal, then he certainly would do a good job at Newcastle.”