No Number One Players At Arsenal – Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has argued that there is no first-choice player in any role at the club as he tries to defend his decision of bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer.

To the dismay of most pundits, Mikel Arteta brought in Brentford first choice goalkeeper, David Raya, which seems like a move to put the club’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, on his toes.

Raya joins the Gunners on a one-season loan deal with an option of landing a permanent deal at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

He is coming into the club when Aaron Ramsdale is still on top of his game which means that the two goalies would have to compete for a starting shirt all season long.

Last season, Ramsdale, 25, helped Arsenal finish second behind Manchester City by recording 14 clean sheets.

While critics are wondering why Raya had to be brought in this summer, Mikel Arteta stressed that his presence would Spur his colleague to be better just like in other departments of the team where there are at least two options each.

“To be better [as a team], the environment has to be better,” the Spanish tactician said.

He added, “When you have to be at 100% every day, believe me, your level increases.

“We have two great goalkeepers, just like we have two great left-wingers holding midfielders, two great strikers. There is no number one – not in any position.”

Arsenal will resume their 2023-2024 Premier League campaign on Monday, August 21, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park Stadium. The game will kick off at 8 p.m.