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Mikel Arteta admits he made ‘controversial’ signing at Arsenal which he’s so pleased with now

Mikel Arteta has revealed he made a signing at Arsenal which was disputed at the time – but he’s delighted with the deal now.

The 41-year-old made the comments when speaking in his press conference earlier on Friday.

So, what did Mikel Arteta say about his controversial business at Arsenal? Let’s take a look…

Mikel Arteta opens up on Aaron Ramsdale signing for Arsenal

Well, the Spaniard touched upon the fact that not everybody was delighted to see the England international join Arsenal in a deal from Sheffield United, back in August 2021.

Now – however – Arteta has spoken of his delight at the signing, despite replacing Ramsdale with David Raya this season.

As by Hayters TV, the man from San Sebastián said: “I’m really happy with the call we made as a club to sign him because it was very controversial to start with, so we helped a lot to change his career in a really powerful way, and I’m really happy he came here and has done what he has done for us so far.”

Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Ramsdale himself mentioned the widespread discontent amongst Arsenal supporters when he first arrived at the Emirates Stadium, in a announcing his new contract back in May 2023.

The Arsenal No.1 revealed he knew some fans were not “the most overexcited” about the £24m deal, but he quickly silenced those doubters by dislodging Bernd Leno to become a key man under Arteta, even making the PFA Team of the Year last season.

Final game may be this weekend

Despite what Arteta said about Ramsdale, it doesn’t change the fact Raya is preferred in goal – having made Premier League starts to the Englishman’s this season.

In truth – with the Spaniard unable to face parent club Brentford on Saturday due to the regulations of his loan – Ramsdale may be about to make his final appearance for Arsenal.

Everton FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

The 25-year-old is attracting interest from both Chelsea and Newcastle, amid reports Arsenal would be willing to sell if he signalled a desire to leave.

Therefore – despite Arteta’s glowing comments – Ramsdale’s Arsenal career may soon be over.