Arsenal planning Aaron Ramsdale 'mind games' as they look to unleash greatest weapon

Mikel Arteta has ramped up the psychological warfare ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aaron Ramsdale and his new club Southampton, suggesting he might play tricks with set-piece tactics.

The former Gunner, who was replaced by David Raya last season and subsequently moved to Southampton for £25 million, is expected to receive a warm welcome back at the Emirates.

However, Arteta, whose team leads in set-piece goals since last season with 26, cheekily hinted at possible mind games, saying: “Maybe we tell him that we will adapt something but then do the same thing so he’s gonna be thinking we’re gonna adapt it!”

Arteta acknowledged the situation, adding: “So there’s maybe gonna be some mind games. I’m sure that they will have discussed that.”

He reflected on facing former players, noting, “It’s not the first time that we have played against a player that was once in our camp, it’s natural that it happens. So we need to have the capacity to understand and continue to do our things.”

Praising Raya’s performance as Ramsdale’s replacement, Arteta also expressed his contentment with Ramsdale’s past contributions: “Obviously he (Ramsdale) decided he wanted to take another step in his career.”

“We were really happy with him, we wanted that competition and that level because we need a lot of competition in the position. But we wish him all the best and he’s doing really well.”

Ramsdale, who experienced Premier League relegation with both Sheffield United and Bournemouth before his transfer to Arsenal, had impressed with his performances, earning him five caps for England.