Mikel Arteta's stance on squad competition has been disagreed with by David Raya
David Raya talks to Mikel Arteta
David Raya sees things differently than his manager Mikel Arteta(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal's continuing chase of history remains on course with Premier League and Champions League glory nearing. The Gunners remain top of the table with just two games remaining and are set to contest the European final against holders Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
Mikel Arteta's side could yet capture the two biggest club trophies in football but will need to display the ultimate steel in the final weeks of the season which could define the careers of the club's stars - and Arteta himself.
Raya disagreed with Arteta
David Raya has established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers under Mikel Arteta, but the Spanish stopper has admitted he disagreed with his manager on the number one situation at the Emirates.
Upon Raya's arrival at Arsenal in 2023, Aaron Ramsdale was the club's starting goalkeeper, with Arteta insisting he saw both players as genuine starters. He repeatedly refused to label one of them as his number one and the other as his back-up.
While Raya, 30, ultimately won the battle against the Englishman, he's claimed the Gunners boss' stance was wrong. The Spain international cited his poor performance in Arsenal's 4-3 win over Luton Town in late 2023 as how the pressure of his uncertain status crept into his performances.
Speaking about his battle with Ramsdale, Raya told Mundo Deportivo: "I arrived at a club with a number one goalkeeper, which was Aaron Ramsdale, very loved by the fans, by the teammates, by the staff… a tremendous goalkeeper, a top goalkeeper.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the game with Sporting
David Raya argued a club can't have two number one goalkeepers(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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"At the start, I went out to play, to enjoy myself, and then there comes a moment where I don’t have a good match, against Luton, which I think is the worst match of my career. Even though we won 3-4, I wasn’t good.
"That’s when I realise the magnitude of everything behind it. Even though I’m not someone who looks at social media or reads much press, I realise everything, that you can’t have two number one goalkeepers."
Arsenal eye £52m star
Regardless of how Arsenal's season ends, plans to improve their squad could begin with the signing of Roma's defensive star Wesley, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato. However, any chase to acquire his signature could see the north London giants battle rivals Tottenham, who are also said to be interested in the Brazilian.
Wesley FRANCA of AS Roma celebrates his goal during the Italian championship Serie A football match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina
Wesley has been linked with a move away from Roma (Image: Matthieu Mirville/DPPI/Shutterstock)
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The 22-year-old full-back only joined the Serie A side last season for £26million (€30m) but his impressive performances, described by the Italian outfit as "astonishing", have already resulted in several of Europe's top sides reportedly targeting him.
With five goals and two assists in 37 games across all competitions, the report states that Wesley's price tag has shot up to a staggering £52m (€60m). Alongside the two London sides, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United have all been impressed by the versatile star.
The media outlet claim should Arsenal lose out on Magpies defender Tino Livramento to the Citizens, they will instead accelerate their pursuit of Wesley.
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