In the summer of 2021, Aaron Ramsdale was recruited by Arsenal for 33 million USD from Sheffield United and immediately took Bernd Leno’s official position.
Even though Ramsdale is playing stably, coach Arteta still strengthens goalkeepers with good footwork to compete for official positions.
Raya at Arsenal training ground on August 16.
In the press conference before the match against Crystal Palace in the second round of the Premier League, Arteta said Raya increased both quality, depth and healthy competition in the wooden frame.
The Spanish coach also used the fact that Real had to rush into the transfer market and borrow Kepa from Chelsea after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois broke his ligament and was likely to miss the end of the 2023-2024 season to protect his position.
According to Arteta, not only the goalkeeper, but also the positions above must strive to compete and no one has a default starting position.
Arteta shouted and directed Arsenal players at Colney training ground, London on August 16.
During this press conference, in addition to the Raya recruitment deal, Arteta talked a lot about Jurrien Timber – the Dutch rookie who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and is likely to miss the rest of the season.
Arteta hinted that he will not buy a defender to replace Timber in the last two weeks of the summer market, but will prioritize using available players.
Arteta considers the fact that Timber, Kevin De Bruyne of Man City, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa or Courtois and Eder Militao of Real Madrid suffered long-term injuries early in the season due to the busy schedule at the club level, matches
