By Alan Hutton

27th Oct, 2023 | 7:00am

Arsenal to axe David Raya and recall Aaron Ramsdale to starting XI - pundit

Aaron Ramsdale has been backed for a return to the Arsenal starting lineup.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said signing David Raya was “harsh” on Ramsdale but believes the England international now has an opportunity to get back into the starting XI.

The Gunners signed Raya from Brentford in the summer despite an impressive campaign from Ramsdale last term and the former Bees shot stopper has replaced his teammate as Mikel Arteta’s go-to.

But Raya has been struggling in recent games and there have been calls for Raya to return between the sticks.

Hutton insisted it could be time for Ramsdale to get his spot back.

“I think it was very harsh,” he told Football Insider.

“If you think of what Ramsdale did last season he was obviously an excellent addition to Arsenal and made some real good saves.

“It is a bit strange, they paid a lot of money for Raya but he has looked a little bit uncomfortable in recent weeks and there are a few mistakes creeping in.

“I understand that Arteta is standing by him and making sure he does not change the way he plays no matter what pressure he is under.

“But I think Ramsdale is probably sitting there knowing there is going to be an opportunity coming up and he is going to have to take it. I think he has got the quality to push back in and that it will happen.“

In other news, Arsenal could sell two stars and then beat Liverpool to midfielder deal.