Mikel Arteta confirmed David Raya will takeover Arsenal’s number 01 jersey after players return from the international break
Mikel Arteta confirmed David Raya will takeover Arsenal’s number 01 jersey after players return from the international break
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will eventually make David Raya his No 1, according to reports. The Spaniard is expected to usurp Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates following his surprise summer move
Arsenal completed the loan signing of Brentford goalkeeper Raya in August. It was initially thought he would join on a permanent deal worth around £30million.
However, the Gunners instead paid Brentford a £3m loan fee and will have the option to buy the 27-year-old for £27m at the end of the season. Raya is yet to make his Arsenal debut, being an unused substitute in the last three Premier League matches.
Ramsdale started all 38 league matches last term and has continued in that vein so far in this campaign. However, the arrival of Raya raised eyebrows over his long-term place in Arteta’s side.
And the Mirror is now reporting that Arteta sees Raya as his long-term No 1. It is claimed it is only a matter of time before he is given a chance to stake a claim.
Raya is likely to make his Arsenal debut in the Carabao Cup tie against his parent club later this month. Rules permit Raya to play against Brentford as long as the Bees grant permission.
The Mirror says they are likely to do so and Raya will be hoping to make a positive impression on his Gunners bow. It is said there is a growing belief that he will eventually displace Ramsdale as first choice.
Ramsdale only signed a new contract with Arsenal in May. The deal will commit him to the club until the summer of 2026, with an option of a further year.
