Ben Foster blasts 'pathetic' Arsenal transfer move for David Raya

  /  autty

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has criticised Arsenal for their decision to sign David Raya, claiming that it won't help Aaron Ramsdale's confidence

Arsenal's decision to sign David Raya has been labelled pathetic by former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The Gunners recruited Raya earlier this month, with the Spanish international joining initially on loan for a £3million fee, football.london understands. This deal then includes a £27million option to buy for the north Londoners if all parties find the move agreeable rather than an obligation.

But ex-England international Foster has voiced his displeasure at the move, claiming that it won't be doing current Gunners no.1 Aaron Ramsdale any favours. "I hate it, it’s pathetic," he told his YouTube channel when discussing the impact that Raya joining will have on Ramsdale.

"It’s something that didn’t need to happen, right. They did not need to sign David Raya. [Ramsdale has] been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s No.1 with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there.

"When he’s full of confidence and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country." Despite Raya's arrival, Ramsdale has started each of his side's opening three Premier League fixtures, with manager Mikel Arteta claiming that the former Sheffield United shot-stopper has reacted positively to the added competition.

When he was asked about how Ramsdale has responded since the transfer, Arteta said: "Very positive. The way I see them training, I saw a training session they did the other day, it was fantastic.

"I think the connection that they have straight away is really good, but this is something that doesn’t surprise me. This is what I expect from players. It’s the same that I expect when I brought Declan Rice. What is their reaction? Hopefully really, really positive because the team wants to be better.

"If that’s not the reaction, the team doesn’t want to be better, then I will be worried. Then we haven’t created an environment that we want at this club."

Raya is one of four players to sign for the Gunners this summer, with the north Londoners also recruiting Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice for over £200million combined.

Related: Arsenal Arteta David Raya Rice Havertz
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