Arteta to shake up Ramsdale by providing top competition for him
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) shouts instructions to the players from the touchline to Arsenal's English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is not messing around this summer, and sources on Sunday highlighted the secret moves Arteta is desperate to accomplish, one of which is the signing of Brentford custodian David Raya. After rumoured talks with Bayern Munich fell through, the 27-year-old custodian might be following Havertz, Timber, and Rice through the Emirates front door.
Raya’s head appears to have been turned by Arsenal’s interest. With him turning down a new contract at Brentford and his existing one expiring in a year, the Bees could be looking to cash in.
The Spaniard’s arrival might provide a new dimension to Arsenal’s system; some may crucify me for saying so, but if given a chance, he could take over as the No. 1 goalie. Unlike Ramsdale, who is occasionally erroneous, as shown in some games last season and in some pre-season games, Raya’s probable signing by Arsenal would greatly strengthen their defence.
If the Gunners successfully get him on board, they could line up as follows:
In goal: David Raya
Defence: Zinchenko, Gabriel, William Saliba, and Ben White
Midfield: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard
Attacking: Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka
Raya’s Premier League performances show that he would be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s roster. The Spaniard not only excels as a shot-stopper, but he can also play easily from the back, a style of play that Mikel Arteta’s teams are accustomed to.
With the anticipated signing of David Raya, Arsenal’s goals of bolstering their team and producing a meaningful campaign in various competitions for the upcoming season may become a reality.
