Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s decision to recruit David Raya on loan from Brentford is underpinned by a desire to make the club “better every single day” and to ensure he has optimal cover between the sticks.
The Gunners wrapped up a swift deal for the Spaniard earlier this week and, following the departure of Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest, the new arrival is now expected to challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the number one shirt.
The scenario has raised eyebrows in some quarters with people questioning whether it could destabilise the England international just after he committed his long-term future to the club.
In Arteta’s mind, it makes total sense to have two quality keepers, both capable of playing the type of football he wants. He also believes that Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury last weekend underlines just how fragile the squad-building process can be.
Asked what Raya brings to the table, Arteta said: “Better qualities for our game model, very simple. And we want two players per position, that they can do that.
“You saw what happened to Jurrien, it can happen to our goalkeeper, it happened to [Real Madrid’s Thibaut] Courtois. So you need to be prepared.
“The question may be, ‘What is it with two goalkeepers of this size?’ But if Aaron were to sustain a cruciate [knee ligament injury], then what do you say? You then change the thing. So we have to be prepared, we have to be proactive.
“We have two excellent goalkeepers now that fit exactly what we want in our model. So I’m very happy with that.”
He also hinted that raising the level of competition for Aaron Ramsdale merely reflects what he’s been doing in other areas of the pitch.
“I understand [the questions about having two top keepers], but there are always questions.
“When we had different goalkeepers there were questions as well. So for me to have two excellent goalkeepers is great. There is nothing wrong. Of course, there is nothing wrong.
“We have two great left wingers and two great strikers and two great holding midfielders. So we have Jorginho, we have Thomas [Partey], we have Declan [Rice]. So, that is not a problem and it should not be a problem.
“We want to be better every single day. And to be better the environment has to change and the environment has to be better every single day. We tend to be always at a certain level because it’s in our nature.
“When you change the environment, and the environment is to be 100% every day, believe me, the level is going to increase. And I’ve seen that with my closed eyes, with the players that we have now, and what we had two years ago. So we want to be better, we have to create that environment.”
“two great strikers”
yep balo’s gone
That’s gonna be the headline they all use
When he puts it like this, it makes complete sense. In Arteta we Trust
If Raya can change the environment by running on renewable energy I’m all in favour.
Also Arteta sees with his closed eyes, a Zen master!
Seriously for a second, great signing always improving Arsenal.
“ be better every single day” such a brilliant philosophy
It’s certainly progressive thinking and not a lot of other clubs out there have two keepers who they value equally. The model has always been to have a clear number 1 at the position, but increasingly with the modern game, each position has to have two top options and logically, why should GK be different? I’ll bet more and more clubs will follow our lead on this.
Problem is there are only so many great GKs. Especially if you’re looking for this particular mold. But penalty over time that will change as surely development is evolving.
Since the signing of Ramsdale 2 summers ago, I have told myself that please just trust what Arteta and gang are doing. What Arteta built in the team culture, we have to trust that competition is a positive things for the lads in the squard.
Arteta knows and that’s why he’s the boss and the buck stops at his table.
Just out of curiosity, who are the 2 great strikers Arteta is referring to?
Guessing Gabi and Eddie. I think he really sees something in Eddie, even if all fans are not 100% on board yet. I trust he will be proven right.
“Two great left wingers” – I assume he means Martinelli and Trossard but I still dream of ESR being a superstar for the Arsenal
It is possible to have two good keepers. You just need enough important gametime for each for them to feel some best form