Mikel Arteta has explained he signed David Raya because he wanted to improve in the goalkeeping position.
Raya surprisingly arrived at the Emirates last summer on an initial loan deal from Brentford which is expected to be made permanent at the end of the season for a reported £27m.
The Spaniard replaced Aaron Ramsdale in goal after the first four Premier League games and has been Arteta’s number one since.
Arteta explains why he signed Raya
Arteta surprised many when he decided to bring Raya in to replace Ramsdale who had been the club’s first choice for two seasons following his arrival from Sheffield United.
The England international put in a number of impressive performances for the Gunners as they went close to winning the Premier League last season.
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Arsenal spent heavily in the summer on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, but not many expected a new goalkeeper to arrive at the Emirates.
Arteta revealed he signed Raya as he wanted to improve in the goalkeeping position and knew the reaction it would get.
“We wanted to get better in this position, to bring other qualities into a goalkeeping position”, he told BeIN Sport.
“We understood the reaction, but if you want to get better you have to elevate the level and make the decision!”
The decision drew a lot of criticism with many pundits and ex-players labelling it as unfair on Ramsdale, but Arteta’s decision seems to have been vindicated.
Raya won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets this season with 15, but has the chance to add to that with two games remaining.
The 28-year-old has made 39 appearances in all competitions this campaign keeping 19 clean sheets in the process.
For Ramsdale it appears his Arsenal career is over, and he is expected to leave in the summer for first team football and boost his chances of becoming England’s first choice.