ARTETA: RAM’S ON WAY TO BE TOP PICK

MIKEL ARTETA has laid down the task that lies ahead of Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron

Ramsdale if he wants to challenge Jordan Pickford to be England’s No.1.

Ramsdale (above), 23, has made a massive impression in his start to life as an Arsenal player after his £30million switch from Sheffield United in August.

Already, the former Bournemouth goalkeeper has dislodged Bernd Leno as the No.1 goalkeeper at the Emirates, keeping four clean sheets in five games as the Gunners recovered from their horror start.

Ramsdale’s form has seen calls for the England Under-21 keeper to be given the chance to challenge Pickford in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.

But Arteta, whose side face Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Monday, warned: “He needs to keep performing like he’s done.

“Always try to think about what he’s doing right, continue to do those things, be humble and think about the things he can improve.

“Then, everything will come naturally, as has already happened very early on with him.

“He has engaged and adapted really well.”

Patrick Vieira admits he has had to wind his neck in over Daniel Ek’s desire to buy Arsenal now he is a Premier League manager.

The Crystal Palace boss and Gunners legend Vieira (below), trumpeted his support for Spotify co-founder Ek’s bid to oust the Kroenke family from the

Gunners in May.

Asked about describing Arsenal as having “lost direction” under the present regime, Vieira said: “I am in a different position than I was in a couple of months ago.

“I can’t express myself in the same way as I did when I was just an ex-arsenal player.

“When you looked at the situation at the time, it was clear the Kroenke family said the club was not for sale, so it was over.

“Nobody can buy the club if it is not for sale.”