Keane backs Arsenal's Raya transfer despite Ramsdale Wembley heroics

07 August 2023 , 00:00

887     0

David Raya has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Roy Keane has backed Arsenal's proposed move for David Raya after the former midfielder admitted Aaron Ramsdale will benefit from added competition inside the dressing room.

Mikel Arteta's side are closing in on a move for Raya after the Gunners agreed personal terms with the Spaniard, who is keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. Brentford rejected a £23million bid from the Gunners last week, but the two parties are set to hold further talks over a deal which could be completed before Arsenal's Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, who has one year left on his contract at Brentford, is expected to provide healthy competition for Ramsdale, with current second-choice goalkeeper Matt Turner set to join Forest. Speaking on Sunday at the Community Shield, Keane delivered his verdict on the proposed signing of Raya as the Bees 'keeper prepares to become the Gunners' fourth summer arrival.

Keane told ITV: "Sometimes the biggest competition comes from inside the dressing room. Ramsdale made a big save from Foden and did the business today. Competition from within makes you better."

Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes added: "Competition is key for these players. It improves them. They need strength in depth and I think it is normal to bring someone else in, especially when you are trying to win things. He was the difference in the game so full credit to him.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

"That save from Foden is so important. Arteta knows to compete for everything he has to have more depth and he will get more consistency."

As for the Community Shield itself, Arsenal secured the first silverware of the season by beating Manchester City on penalties at Wembley. Cole Palmer gave City the lead in a tight and cagey affair in north London, before Pep Guardiola's side were pegged back late on.

Aaron Ramsdale saved from Rodri in the shootout (Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)

Leandro Trossard struck in the 101st minute to ensure the game would be taken to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw during normal time. The Gunners kept their nerve to secure a 4-1 spot-kick victory and seal the Community Shield for the first time since 2020.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about whether Ramsdale felt extra pressure with a move for Raya pending. He said: "I hope not. Because the competition here always exists, whoever it is. That's what it has to feel like, if we don’t feel like this, we’re not going to get the best out of each player. So we better feel like this and make sure we all feel like this, me first."

"He was great and we practised penalties a lot on purpose in pre-season to be ready for this just in case," Arteta added. "We went through disappointments against Manchester United where we didn’t stop any of that, and that was the learning curve that sometimes it’s needed to get the right result and I think he was superb."

Kieran King