Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has got reasons to smile again after one of the key players to the Gunners’ title challenge, Aaron Ramsdale, signed a contract extension on Thursday.

The 25-year-old joined the North London club from Sheffield United in 2021 and has managed to cement his place as the team’s number-one goalkeeper. He joined on a deal worth £30M, including add-ons, and his initial deal was expected to end in 2025.

He made 13 clean sheets from all 36 matches played in the Premier League. The English shot-stopper and Arteta is hoping he can do more and even better with his extension, having overseen his development in the last two years.

“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. It’s great that we’re continuing to build our future with our biggest talents in our young squad. We’re all looking forward to enjoying many more years of Aaron, the player and the person at the football club.” Arteta said.

Ramsdale has three caps with the Three Lions and will be expected to be in goal when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a game they must win, or else Manchester City will be crowned champions of the Premier League. The Gunners are four points behind with two rounds of matches left for them, while Manchester City have three games in hand.

Pep Guardiola still stands a chance for a treble with the Premier League within reach, an FA Cup final still be played against Manchester United, and a UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul, Turkey, in June after beating Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday night at Etihad and 5-1 on aggregate.