Mikel Arteta had a big decision to make after he signed Brentford keeper David Raya on loan just two years after signing Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale signed for Arsenal in 2021 for a reported £24million from Sheffield United. English media went crazy over the fact that the Gunners spent so much on a keeper that was relegated.
The keeper went on to prove the doubters wrong, winning the clubs player of the month multiple times. He also signed a contract extension and became an England international.
However a string of shaky performances in the 2022/23 season pushed Arsenal to sign competition. Raya arrived and Ramsdale only played six league games before joining Southampton this summer.
Mikel Arteta had kind words for the keeper after his departure:
“Aaron has been a top professional since joining in 2021 and has made many contributions during his time with us. We thank Aaron for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him and his family the best of health, success and happiness in his new opportunity with Southampton.”
Alan Shearer says David Raya was the right choice by Arteta
Since taking the first choice goalkeeping role, Raya has played a part in Arsenal becoming one of the best defences in the league. The Gunners just 29 goals in the Premier League last season.
Alan Shearer says Mikel Arteta made the right decision choosing the Spaniard:
“David Raya has starred this season, and he took that form into the international break with Spain too.
“But when you look at what Ederson does for Man City and Alisson at Liverpool, I wouldn’t say Raya is the best in the Premier League, yet.
“There’s no doubt he’s up there though as one of the best. When you consider the noise that was around when Mikel Arteta signed him and he went up against Aaron Ramsdale, having both of those goalkeepers didn’t quite feel right.”
Raya won the golden glove last year after keeping 18 clean sheets, the next best tally was 13. Shearer says Raya offers more as a keeper in Arteta’s system , which makes the team better.
“However, you’ve got to give Arteta credit for doing that, because it certainly has worked out, for the better. Raya is exactly what Arsenal and Arteta wanted in terms of a ball-playing goalkeeper, who can start moves the way Arsenal want.
“He’s also a good shot-stopper, which we’ve seen so many times this season; he’s saved them points, not only in the Premier League, but in the Champions League as well.”