Aaron Ramsdale or David Raya? 'No automatic first choice' with Arsenal close to deal for Brentford goalkeeper
Arsenal are close to finalising a deal to sign David Raya — it is understood the deal is worth in the region of £30m; Raya and Aaron Ramsdale will compete for the No 1 jersey; there will be no automatic first choice
Senior Reporter
Wednesday 9 August 2023 10:45, UK
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There will be no automatic first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal when the deal for David Raya is finalised with Mikel Arteta and Edu having designed the recruitment strategy this summer to ensure greater competition for starting spots in the squad.
It was marked as one area that could solidify the club's status as serious title contenders. It was also flagged as an area Arsenal have been significantly weak in during recent history.
The Gunnersare close to finalising a deal to signRaya — it is understood the deal is worth in the region of £30m.
Raya has entered the final year of his Brentford contract and the clubs have been working on a compromise. Arsenal manager Arteta is a long-term admirer of Raya and has tried to sign him before.
The strategy has been communicated to both new signings and existing players in the squad — including Raya and Aaron Ramsdale. It can also be seen in the case of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey. The external perception was that the Ghanaian would be sold after Arsenal completed their club-record signing of Rice but this was contrary to Arteta's plan.
The manager has told players he wants them to compete at the highest level among themselves in every position if they expect to regularly win major honours.
It is understood that Ramsdale has welcomed the challenge of competing with Raya and believes it will push both goalkeepers to elevate their game.
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