Arsenal’s recent decision to acquire another goalkeeper, David Raya, despite already having Aaron Ramsdale in their squad, has sparked commentary and criticism from various quarters.
While Ramsdale is widely considered one of the premier goalkeepers in England, Arsenal’s move to sign Raya has raised eyebrows, as it potentially sets up a situation where both talented keepers will compete for the same position.
Critics of this decision, particularly former goalkeepers, have expressed confusion over the logic of having two top-tier goalkeepers contend for the same spot in the squad.
However, Arsenal remains unperturbed by these concerns, and Mikel Arteta has offered clarification on the situation. He emphasised that no player is assured of a guaranteed place in the team and highlighted the value of competition in driving players to elevate their performance levels.
He said, as quoted by the BBC:
“When you have to be at 100% every day, believe me, your level increases.
“We have two great goalkeepers, just like we have two great left wingers, two great holding midfielders, two great strikers. There is no number one – not in any position.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Raya is one of the best goalies in England and his arrival will make Ramsdale play better, which is a win-win for us.
The competition from the other goalie will make them outdo each other in training.
If they are at their best, we will win more games and perhaps a few more trophies as well.
It is hard to make sense of the decision now, but if it pays off, Arteta will be like a genius.
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Thought David Raya is a wonderful goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will continue to be arsenal first choice goalkeeper Raya will play in cup games and maybe Champions League and if Ramsdale doesn’t minimise is errors then that’s the point were David Raya will come in and it will be now harder for Ramsdale to ever be first choice considering the quality that Raya has.
Wow, strange he thinks the “no number one strategy” applies to goalkeepers. Good luck on this tough call.COYG!!!
If Arteta’s plans moving forward is to have 2 top top quality Gunners for every position in his Arsenal’sacha team will come to happen. Then he still has a lot of work in his front to do before he’ll achieve his aims and objectives in this regard.
Okay, his goalkeeper dept is sorted arguably with the Arsenal signing of David Raya.
But with the recent long spell injury layoff suffered by Timber, his Arsenal defence might need to be reinforced with a new top top quality versatile defender again this summer. And who tick all the boxes in quality having. And who is able to play across all the defense line positions efficiently. As Zinchenko, the Gunners’ specialist left back is known for his being an injury prone player for Arsenal. Who may not last a full season campaign for Arsenal this season. And Tomiyansu who can play across all the defense lime positions has similar injury prone characteristic like those which Zinchenko has.
Therefore, if Arteta an Edu can find another top top quality versatile defender probably even better than Timber is. And the club can afford his signing fee when they’ve found and want Arsenal to sign him. And he agrees to join Arsenal. Arsenal should sign him.
I think the Arsenal midfield is already sorted this summer. Any further upgrade to it should imo wait till next Jam window.
But nevertheless, a top top quality striker signing by Arsenal this summer is very necessary as must necessity which has to done by Arsenal signing one before the summer window us shut. My reason is GJesus current injury sideline could make him unreliable in terms of regular goals scoring and assists providing when he returns for Arsenal. And Nkethia doesn’t score regularly as he should if he’s a top notch striker.
I think Trossard can cover efficiently for Martinelli. But Nelson providing efficient cover for the top notch right wingers Saka, that I can’t voice for Nelson. No disrespect.
You sure don’t know what farcical false play (FFP) is,do you??
Love hearing that from Arteta, competition for spots and no guarantees wards off complacency.
Hope to see more of this on the pitch in selections, it will help our squad improve and reach the level we need for titles.
No question about the talent we have, I have felt mentality has been the issue last couple years.
Competition for starts will foster the mentality we need to finish team off and no drop off in matches or get results when fighting other clubs for titles.
Well said Arteta, ruthlessness is well received!