Mikel Arteta's blunt response to transfer question after Arsenal "problem" blast

17 August 2023 , 09:05

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David Raya has joined Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has warned his Arsenal stars that no one is guaranteed of a place in his starting XI after signing goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal stunned the Premier League by agreeing a loan deal with Brentford for Raya, thought to be worth around £3million. The Gunners can make the 27-year-old Spaniard's temporary move permanent next summer by paying the Bees a further £27m.

Raya is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, but fans are baffled as to why Arteta needs him. The Arsenal boss already had a first-choice stopper in Aaron Ramsdale, who has been a revelation for the Gunners since arriving two years ago.

The 26-year-old Englishman's future at the Emirates is now in doubt following Raya's arrival, with legendary Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given calling the signing a "problem" for Arteta. Yet the Gunners manager has explained his thinking.

Arteta was asked "is there a No.1" during his press conference on Thursday morning. He replied: "In any position? No. Nine? Seven? 11? Six? Goalkeeper? No, there isn't."

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The Spaniard then insisted Arsenal need two top players for each position. He added: "What happened to Jurrien (Timber, a serious injury) can happen to a goalkeeper. If Aaron were to sustain a cruciate what would you say? We have two excellent goalkeepers."

Arteta will drop a huge hint on who his first-choice goalkeeper is when Arsenal play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night. Ramsdale was between the sticks for Arsenal's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, but Raya is available for selection.

Aaron Ramsdale's future at Arsenal is now in doubt (Getty Images)

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Timber certainly won't be involved against the Eagles after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Premier League debut. The Dutch defender, who arrived from Ajax this summer, needs surgery and will miss most of the season, if not all of it.

Although Arteta is glad to secure Raya's services, Given has questioned the transfer. He said on Match of the Day 2: "It looks like they are signing a problem. Ramsdale was one of their best players. Raya isn't signing for any club to be No.2.

"I don't understand why Arteta wants to bring him in. I wouldn't be happy if I was Ramsdale. Psychologically, as a keeper, you want to be backed by your manager even if you make a mistake. I don't think it is a good thing."

Ex-Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy added: "One of them is always going to be unhappy. I don't think Raya is going there to be anything but No.1. It's not fair on Ramsdale but you have to trust your manager."

Tom Blow