By Gabriel Agbonlahor

6th Sep, 2023 | 4:55pm

Agbonlahor can't believe Aaron Ramsdale could be axed after Arsenal latest

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Aaron Ramsdale has earned the right to continue as the number-one goalkeeper at Arsenal despite the arrival of David Raya.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Spaniard’s debut is more likely to come in the League Cup.

Ramsdale has started each of Arsenal’s four Premier League games this season, conceding four goals and keeping one clean sheet.

But Raya was signed from Brentford on a loan-to-buy basis last month, with Mikel Arteta claiming it is important to have two top players per position.

Ramsdale kept 15 clean sheets in 41 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign as Arsenal claimed a second-place finish.

Raya, 27, could get his first chance to impress in a Gunners shirt later this month when they face PSV in their first Champions League game since 2017.

Arteta’s side also face Brentford in the League Cup on 27 September – but the shot-stopper’s parent club will have to grant him permission to play.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Raya could well play in the Champions League further into the season.

“But it’s a lot of pressure to come into for your first game.

“I think it’s more likely to come in the League Cup, or maybe in the Premier League – and then we could see him come in full-time if he impresses in those games.

“I feel that Ramsdale has earned the right to play in the Champions League for now, and will continue to hold down that number one shirt.”

In other news, Premier League giants suffer record-breaking £600m blow after takeover twist.