Arsenal star David Raya has vowed to continue to ‘fight’ Aaron Ramsdale for the No. 1 spot at the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard was signed on a loan-to-buy deal from Brentford over the summer, throwing Mikel Arteta’s goalkeeping pecking order into question after last season’s success.
The Gunners have made a strong start to the campaign, winning six of their opening eight matches and recently beating Manchester City to justify their title contender credentials once more. Following last season’s second-placed finish, Arteta was keen to avoid complacency over the summer and bolstered his squad significantly in the transfer market.
Jurrien Timber was acquired from Ajax to provide defensive depth, with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz signed to add quality to Arsenal’s midfield. The arrival of Raya from Brentford was also a move masterminded by Arteta, with the Spanish boss keen to have two top-quality options between the sticks.
Ramsdale performed well last season but has ultimately been forced to watch on from the sidelines in recent weeks, despite Arteta insisting that he does not have a No.1 choice. However, Raya is keen to become Arsenal’s first pick as soon as possible and has sent a warning to his competition.
He told The Athletic: “I’m going to fight for it (being the Gunners’ No. 1). Arteta gives me the confidence to be there, that he wanted to have two top players in each position, and it was up to me to find the time and fight to get the minutes. I don’t want to think beyond that. If there are rotations, as there are in any position, I’m going to help on and off the pitch.”
To class players don’t sign to sit on the bench
So let’s see what transpires