‘When Arteta calls me’: Raya discusses Arsenal transfer, easy decision for him | OneFootball

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya says he had an easy decision to join the club last year after speaking with manager Mikel Arteta about the project.

The Spain international joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Brentford last season. A buy clause was triggered to sign him permanently last summer.

Raya had a mixed debut season with the Gunners with some high-profile errors, but he has been tremendous between the sticks for the club this term.

The 29-year-old has already made several world-class saves in the early part of the campaign, establishing himself as a favourite among the fans.

In an interview with DAZN (via Mundo Deportivo), Raya said: “All the effort and work has been worth it.

“Every child dreams of playing for a team as big as Arsenal. When Arteta calls me, he tells me the project and explains how everything works.

“I didn’t even have to think about it, I wanted to be there. Since I arrived in England, I always paid a lot of attention to Arsenal.”

Raya’s loan move came as a surprise to many fans, considering Aaron Ramsdale was an undisputed starter at the time. There was speculation that Arteta could rotate his goalkeepers.

However, it became clear from the outset that Raya was going to be the number one. Ramsdale left for Southampton last summer after the Spaniard was signed permanently for £27 million.

Raya has gone from strength to strength this term. The 29-year-old has looked more assured with his distribution and handling. He is undeniably one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe.

Arsenal visit West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend. Raya will be aiming to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the top flight for the first time since August.

The Blackburn Rovers graduate has played with a constantly changing backline in front of him, but Arteta has had a similar defence in the two victories after the international break.