Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed that Mikel Arteta has not given him "any assurances" about remaining his first choice goalkeeper. The 29-year-old has been first choice for Arsenal since signing for the club, taking over from Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed that Mikel Arteta has not given him "any assurances" about remaining his first choice goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old has been first choice for Arsenal since signing for the club, taking over from Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Arsenal signed Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer and the former Chelsea and Bournemouth goalkeeper saved three penalties in a shoot-out in their pre-season opener against AC Milan.
And Raya says that Arteta has not given him any guarantees about his starting place following Arrizabalaga's £5m signing.
"[He has said] Nothing - he just came as a new team-mate and to add another goalie to the group," Raya told BBC Sport. "The manager hasn't said anything, so we will see what happens."
Raya and Arrizabalaga know each other well as the pair both represent Spain.
Arrizabalaga became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world after joining Chelsea for £71m in 2018, but Raya does not think the arrival of another high-profile shot-stopper at Arsenal will add more pressure on him.
"No I think it is just a healthy relationship," Raya said. "We are friends. We have been together in the national team and now we are here, so we have that healthy relationship and, let's say, 'healthy partnership' in goal.
"We know how tough it is to be a goalkeeper. There is only one goalkeeper playing and we will see what happens. That is the job of the boss and he will decide."
Category: General Sports
