David Raya may have just been chosen as Mikel Arteta’s new starting goalkeeper at Arsenal.
According to Anton Ferdinand, who discussed the Gunners’ loan stopper on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, this is the case.
Raya was acquired by Arsenal from Brentford during the summer, which was a bit of a surprise.
Aaron Ramsdale had just had another fantastic season with the Gunners when he was signed on as a loan player.
Raya was acquired by Arsenal for £3 million from the Bees for the 2022–23 season, according to Sky Sports.
The agreement includes a £27 million option for the Gunners to sign him permanently.
The weekend’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton marked the Spaniard’s debut.
Then, against PSV Eindhoven, he started Arsenal’s inaugural Champions League match of the season.
Prior to the game on Wednesday night, Ferdinand stated that he believed Arteta had already made up his mind.
The first thing he said about Raya was that “he’s a joke” for someone so good.
Ferdinand later stated: “I believe Raya is in the lead, and there is no turning back.”
“I believe Arteta was waiting for that one opportunity to insert him, and that’s his number one,” the author said.
Then Danny Murphy said, “But he didn’t do anything wrong Rams.”
I understand, but for some reason he has a predilection, Ferdinand retorted.
“As a defender, there’s no better feeling than having someone behind you who’s a calming influence,” he said. “It calms you down, it settles you down, and it makes you concentrate on your game.” He hasn’t specifically stated the reason, but I’m sure it has been discussed in-house.
In our opinion
It’s possible that Ramsdale will be treated similarly to how Arteta treated Bernd Leno—ruthlessly.
World-class goalkeeper Raya has already demonstrated that he has what it takes to succeed at Arsenal.
We’ll have to wait and watch what transpires over the next few weeks and months, even though Ramsdale is also fantastic
