Arsenal slammed for ‘pathetic’ transfer decision as Arteta ‘did not need’ £30m ‘problem signing’ | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta on the touchline.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has hit out at Arsenal as they “did not need” to sign David Raya from rivals Brentford.

The Gunners have been busy in the transfer market this summer as around £200m has been spent to bring in Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

Raya has been brought in on an initial loan deal. Arsenal have splashed out a £3m fee to secure the goalkeeper’s services for the season and they have the option to sign him permanently next summer for around £27m.

The Spain international was linked with Bayern Munich, Man Utd and Tottenham earlier this summer but he has opted to sign for the Gunners.

Arsenal have been questioned over their decision to sign Raya as first-choice Aaron Ramsdale has done very little wrong over the past couple of seasons.

Foster thinks Arsenal’s decision to sign Raya is “not the way to do things” and they “did not need” to sign him.

“That’s not the way to do things,” Foster said via his YouTube channel.

“I hate it, it’s pathetic. It’s something that didn’t need to happen, right? They did not need to sign David Raya.

“He’s been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s number one with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there.

“When he’s full of confidence and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country.”

Arteta has previously defended his decision to sign Raya: “I understand but there are always questions, when we had different goalkeepers there were questions as well.

“There is nothing wrong we have two great left wingers and two great strikers and two great holding midfielders and that’s not a problem so this shouldn’t be a problem either.”

Earlier this month, Foster argued that Raya is going to be a “problem signing” for the Premier League outfit.

“I think David Raya is a problem signing for Arsenal,” Foster said. “For me, Aaron Ramsdale is perfect for them.

“I think he is absolutely perfect. I agree with what you’re saying about Raya being great at playing out from the back, but I still think Rambo is incredible at it. He is incredible at it.

“I know Aaron Ramsdale makes world-class saves that keep Arsenal in games at times. He’s a massive personality. And I just think there’s no need to rock the boat with this one.”