Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale has been speaking of his pride after putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal. 

Ramsdale came to North London from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 and enjoyed a stellar first season at the Emirates, ousting Bernd Leno as No1 between the sticks on the way to keeping 14 clean sheets in all competitions.

“It’s a huge amount of pride, it's something you work for," said a beaming Ramsdale after the new was announced.

"It doesn't matter if you've been at the club for a month or for four years, you always want to get the next one and push on with the team," he added. 

“To get it after two years, I'm buzzing. It just means I can concentrate and keep my head down, and hopefully after a few more years I'll get another one and carry on living the dream at the football club.”

The 25-year-old also made his senior international debut for England in November 2021, during the 10-0 victory over San Marino and now has three caps with the expectation of winning many more as he challenges Jordan Pickford for the No1 spot. 

Ramsdale began his pro career with Sheffield United, before joining AFC Bournemouth as an 18-year-old in 2017, where he made 37 Premier League appearances for the Cherries in 2019-20, having previously gained first-team experience on loan at Chesterfield in League Two and AFC Wimbledon in League One. He returned to the Blades ahead of the 2020-21 campaign and was an ever-present in the Premier League that season, before moving to Arsenal.

Ramsdale has already made 76 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, with his performances rewarded by being named in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last December.

However, certain so-called 'fans' decried his arrival on, internet TV, while true supporters knew always knew Ramsdale's worth.

“Deep down I knew that there was a lot of negativity around, [when I joined]” Ramsdale admitted. “I also knew that no-one had probably actually watched me other than the three or four games I played against Arsenal. 

“I was just ready to get on with it, really ready to just show what I can do. It was a great fight between me and Bernd last year and that's what you need as keepers - you need the competition.

“When I played in my debut against West Brom, that negativity went away because the fans knew to give me the chance and to give me the backing, which I needed. The fans that night were amazing for me; they sang my name and I was ready then to just kick on. 

“As soon as you put that Arsenal shirt on, they'll give you every chance to try and perform. I knew I could win them over at some point - and thankfully I did that quite early really.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also spoke of his delight at 'exceptional' Ramsdale signing a new contract that runs to 2026 with an option to extend for a further year until 2027. 

He said: “We’re all so happy that Aaron has signed a new contract. The way Aaron has developed over the past two years has been exceptional, with his performances, contribution and overall adaptation to the club."

The new deal runs until 2026 with an option to extend for another year to 2027.