LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, is prepared to compete with David Raya for the starting spot as the Gunners prepare to recruit the Brentford stopper.
Arsenal will pay £30 million ($38 million) to sign Brentford goalkeeper Raya. The 27-year-old Spaniard will come to the Emirates Stadium to compete with Ramsdale for the top slot, while backup goalie Matt Turner is expected to join Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old, who started every game for the Gunners in the Premier League last season, is now relishing the opportunity to compete for the starting position.
“Bring it on. Nothing comes easy in football. But at the same time, you also need to move along and adapt. I’ve done it to other people when I’ve moved to clubs,” he said.
Ramsdale told ITV Sport when asked about Raya’s potential arrival. “I’m not going to be thinking that it’s never going to happen to me.
“So, yeah, I think if it happens, it happens, and then we’ll fight, and we’ll make each other the best version of ourselves because that’s what the manager is telling us as well.
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“I’m sure whoever plays—me, Matt [Turner], whoever comes in—the goalkeeping union—people will laugh at it, but it’s a real thing, and your individual disappointment will go away, and you’ll put the team first, and you’ll put that goalkeeper first as well.”
Ramsdale recorded 13 clean sheets, although manager Mikel Arteta apparently became increasingly worried about some elements of his performance in the Premier League for Arsenal in 2022–2023.
The signing of Raya by Arsenal could indicate that Arteta is not entirely confident in the England international or that he believes the former Sheffield United player needs some competition to step up his game.
It appears that Raya will be named an Arsenal player this week. Raya had 11 clean sheets last season and has the best save % in the division (with Ramsdale at 70.6).
On August 12 against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners will open their Premier League season. This weekend’s matchup with Steve Cooper’s club will draw all attention to the goalkeeper.