Mikel Areta has discussed his decision to sign David Raya from Brentford and insists Arsenal do not have a ‘number one’ in any position.
Arsenal have secured the signing of Raya on a season-long loan deal from Brentford, with the goalkeeper set to provide competition for first-choice Aaron Ramsdale.
The move came as a surprise given Ramsdale’s status in north London, but Arteta believes competition is crucial as his squad look to challenge on all fronts.
Speaking ahead of Monday night’s clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League, the Spaniard pointed to Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury last weekend and said Arsenal must ‘be prepared’ for injury problems this season.
Questioned on who would be his number one goalkeeper, Arteta insisted that no player in his squad is guaranteed a role in the side.
“He brings the qualities for our game model,” Arteta said on Raya, at his pre-match press conference.
“You see what happened to Jurrien [Timber] and that could happen to our goalkeeper. It recently happened to [Real Madrid’s] Thibaut Courtois so we have to be prepared.
“We have two excellent goalkeepers now who fit our style.
Is there a number one? “Not in any position – 9, 7, 11, 6, goalkeeper – we don’t have a number one in any position.”
