Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm whether or not Arsenal plan to sign goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent basis.
Raya, 28, established himself as the Gunners' first-choice 'keeper earlier this season, dislodging Aaron Ramsdale. The Brentford loanee just saw his run of six successive clean sheets away from home come to an end in Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 win against arch rivals Tottenham last Sunday, although did make his first howler in recent memory to give Spurs a route back into the game.
Arteta insists that the Gunners are "really happy" with Raya, who's already won the Premier League Golden Glove for this season, but he was asked on Friday if they plan to sign him permanently and his response was coy. "Those conversations are for after the season. We will review where we are," the Arsenal manager replied.
"Obviously, we are really happy with David and everything he has brought to the club and the team, there is no question about it. But, those decisions are taken by all of us at the club and we will see."
The Gunners signed Raya last August by paying a £3million loan fee and they boast the option to buy him for £27m, as the 28-year-old only has 12 months left on his Brentford contract. Arteta would like to think that Raya can be a key player for Arsenal going forward - just like Jurrien Timber.
Premier League fans may have forgotten about the versatile Dutch defender, who suffered an ACL injury during only his second appearance eight months ago. Timber is now back in training and ready to return, with Arteta saying ahead of Saturday's clash with Bournemouth: "Everybody is fit and available so now it's the headache to make the right selection."
The Gunners boss added of his £34m signing from Ajax: "You see how commanding he is, his leadership, his quality and the rest they have to lift it up and they start to demand more from each other and they look at each other and say 'I better be good because I want to keep playing', and this is very positive for the squad.
"It's tricky because there are only three games to go and he has missed eight months of football. He's played only 150 minutes of football with the under-21s, it's a question that can only be resolved by throwing him on the pitch and we will see what happens, we have to try to nail that decision."
Timber, 22, would mostly likely slot in at left-back if chosen to face Bournemouth, providing competition for Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu. A spot on the bench is more realistic, though.
vusamavu1
0
Raya was Arteta's first choice for a goalkeeper and Ramsdale was just an alternative; Brentford were not willing to sell by then; and Arteta had to go for Ramsdale while following up with Raya lowkey; he's got his man now and Raya has the golden glove on his debut season; Arteta's style of play doesn't really need a keeper over good in shot-stopping because of how restrict opponents from taking shots; he even prefer to be 6O% with the legs and 4O% with the hands; and this is where Raya looks fit; the defense will always be there to help out So, in as much as i really really like Rambo; but trust me; he will be SOLD and a 2nd choice will be bought to make SOLIDIFY raya's place as our No.1 going forward; simple!!
Thus true, Brentford wanted 40m for a player from Championship to Premier league that was the deal breaker.
Ubong12
1
Raya was Arteta's first choice for a goalkeeper and Ramsdale was just an alternative; Brentford were not willing to sell by then; and Arteta had to go for Ramsdale while following up with Raya lowkey; he's got his man now and Raya has the golden glove on his debut season; Arteta's style of play doesn't really need a keeper over good in shot-stopping because of how restrict opponents from taking shots; he even prefer to be 6O% with the legs and 4O% with the hands; and this is where Raya looks fit; the defense will always be there to help out So, in as much as i really really like Rambo; but trust me; he will be SOLD and a 2nd choice will be bought to make SOLIDIFY raya's place as our No.1 going forward; simple!!
the_Profe55or
0
I once said it that Raya was signed so that Ramsdale learn something from his game, and that is concentration, quick throws, sweeper keeper and dealealing with crosses. Raya will return to Brentford and Ramdale will be restore as number 1. That's just the plan.
naaah bro, ramsdale is done and dusted,. his destination is Wolves and we bid him good will in his next endeavor. Raya is our future rt nw
nuhdenosty
3
He did not establish himself as a #1 but Arteta put him there as a favour for his country man.There was nothing wrong with Ramsdale.
besacelmpy
0
I once said it that Raya was signed so that Ramsdale learn something from his game, and that is concentration, quick throws, sweeper keeper and dealealing with crosses. Raya will return to Brentford and Ramdale will be restore as number 1. That's just the plan.
Arse rats mistreated Ramsdale, time and resources invested would have yielded results. The message sent to the rest of the team is even if you are improving your position could be in jeopardy. Artetta believes he can win it when we all know it is the lucky run with injuries which have bolstered their momentum. If I was wrong their trophy cabinet would have cups instead of fresh air. Didums.
Fabulousfabio10
1
stop wasting you time writing rubbish articles, because this is already a done deal
GentleJC
0
I once said it that Raya was signed so that Ramsdale learn something from his game, and that is concentration, quick throws, sweeper keeper and dealealing with crosses. Raya will return to Brentford and Ramdale will be restore as number 1. That's just the plan.
excellent...
malablata
2
If Ramsdale could improve on what you have mentioned, then he will be gunning for world Best... trust me
Yeah, those were the areas he lacked that caused us lose some valuable points last season. In the last game he played against Brentford, there were some improvement in those areas, like the quick throw. His dealing with crosses and the sweeper keeper is still poor. Also he still display the distraction when he celebrated Havertz goals by holding his ears towards the opposition fans, meaning he had been listening to them than paying attention to the game, and that shows when he almost got caught by Ivan Toney loop.
GentleJC
0
I once said it that Raya was signed so that Ramsdale learn something from his game, and that is concentration, quick throws, sweeper keeper and dealealing with crosses. Raya will return to Brentford and Ramdale will be restore as number 1. That's just the plan.
If Ramsdale could improve on what you have mentioned, then he will be gunning for world Best... trust me
GentleJC
1
Raya should go, and allow Ramsdale to grow. Raya is not better than Ramsdale .
i don't think so... Raya is a better overall goalkeeper but Ramsdale thrives better in 1 v 1 situations...... I love Ramsdale but TBH, Raya is better
sasceknst
4
Raya should go, and allow Ramsdale to grow. Raya is not better than Ramsdale .
malablata
5
I once said it that Raya was signed so that Ramsdale learn something from his game, and that is concentration, quick throws, sweeper keeper and dealealing with crosses. Raya will return to Brentford and Ramdale will be restore as number 1. That's just the plan.
Obile
2
the devil you know!!!?