Arsenal's pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory continues as they sit top of the table with two games remaining and prepare for a European final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. However, off-field dynamics have sparked debate, with goalkeeper David Raya openly disagreeing with manager Mikel Arteta's handling of the number one position.
Raya Challenges Arteta's Approach
David Raya has established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers under Mikel Arteta, but the Spanish stopper has admitted he disagreed with his manager on the number one situation at the Emirates. Upon Raya's arrival in 2023, Aaron Ramsdale was the starting goalkeeper, with Arteta insisting both were genuine starters and refusing to label one as the primary choice.
Raya, 30, ultimately won the battle against the Englishman but has claimed the Gunners boss's stance was wrong. He cited his poor performance in Arsenal's 4-3 win over Luton Town in late 2023 as evidence of how the pressure of his uncertain status crept into his performances. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Raya said: 'I arrived at a club with a number one goalkeeper, which was Aaron Ramsdale, very loved by the fans, by the teammates, by the staff… a tremendous goalkeeper, a top goalkeeper.'
'At the start, I went out to play, to enjoy myself, and then there comes a moment where I don't have a good match, against Luton, which I think is the worst match of my career. Even though we won 3-4, I wasn't good. That's when I realise the magnitude of everything behind it. Even though I'm not someone who looks at social media or reads much press, I realise everything, that you can't have two number one goalkeepers.'
Arsenal Eye £52m Defensive Target
Regardless of how Arsenal's season ends, plans to improve the squad could include signing Roma's defensive star Wesley, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato. The 22-year-old Brazilian full-back only joined the Serie A side last season for £26 million but his impressive performances, described as 'astonishing', have attracted interest from several of Europe's top clubs.
With five goals and two assists in 37 games across all competitions, Wesley's price tag has reportedly shot up to £52 million. Alongside Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Newcastle United have all been impressed by the versatile star. The media outlet claims that should Arsenal lose out on Newcastle's Tino Livramento to Manchester City, they will accelerate their pursuit of Wesley.
