A former England international cannot see Aaron Ramsdale leaving Arsenal for Newcastle United with Premier League rivals Chelsea a more likely destination.

Speculation was already on the rise regarding the future of Arsenal's deposed former number one.

And Aaron Ramsdale's father did little to quell the raging fires, telling the Highbury Squad podcast recently that his son has 'lost that smile' while hitting out at the way Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has dealt with a situation which is threatening to become a very unwelcome distraction.

Ramsdale was outstanding for the most part as Arsenal came within a whisker of the Premier League title last season. He has not made a top-flight appearance since David Raya took his place two months ago, however, with Ramsdale not exactly covering himself in glory during that calamitous Carabao Cup exit at West Ham either.

But Danny Mills, the former England, Manchester City and Charlton Athletic defender, cannot see Eddie Howe dumping a player as popular and as important as Nick Pope, particularly with Arsenal's predicament highlighting the downsides of having two senior goalkeepers fighting for one position.

"It's got to be the right fee (for Arsenal to sell). PS40 - PS50 million, maybe? But, if he causes problems, they might let him out for PS20 million," Mills tells talkSPORT (14 November, 9.30pm).

"(Newcastle signing Ramsdale would) be a bit harsh on Nick Pope. We're all saying it's not right Raya has come in and played ahead of Ramsdale. Would that situation be any different (at Newcastle)?

"He is probably a little better with his feet than Pope. In terms of goalkeeping, there is not much in it. He is not substantially better than Nick Pope."

Chelsea 'probably' more likely Mills believes that Chelsea may be a more likely destination than St James' Park, although Robert Sanchez has done little to deserve the Ramsdale treatment either.

"Chelsea probably, because I think Eddie Howe is loyal to his players. And I don't think Howe would do that to Nick Pope mid-season," Mills adds.

"It would be a problem. It would cause disruption probably among the rest of the team. So, I don't see (him going to) Newcastle."

talkSPORT back up Mills' suggestion that Ramsdale is a PS50 million 'keeper, with Arsenal keen to make a big profit on the fee they paid Sheffiled United two years back.