Shay Given questions why Mikel Arteta is signing David Raya on loan

Shay Given slams Arsenal for planning to bring in Brentford’s David Raya on loan, claiming: ‘If I was Aaron Ramsdale, I wouldn’t be happy. You’re signing a problem’

  • Shay Given has questioned why Arsenal are loaning David Raya from Brentford 
  • He felt that Aaron Ramsdale ‘wouldn’t be happy’ with the incoming competition 
  • Mail Sport’s brand new podcast show ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ is available to watch

Shay Given has questioned why Arsenal are bringing in goalkeeper David Raya on loan from Brentford, claiming current No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale ‘wouldn’t be happy’.

Brentford have agreed to let Raya join Arsenal on a £3m loan deal for the season, with an option to buy set to raise that figure to £30m if he joins permanently. 

But former goalkeeper Given told BBC’s Match of the Day 2 that he felt the move was ‘signing a problem’ to the Emirates, when Ramsdale is already between the posts. 

Given said: ‘I have a look at that and say “you’re signing a problem”. Ramsdale for me was one of the best players last year. He made some big performances and really settled into the position.

‘Now if you’re bringing in Raya, who’s a number one in his own right, then you’re causing yourself a problem. 

Shay Given has slammed Arsenal for planning to bring in Brentford keeper David Raya


Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya were both No 1 goalkeepers for their clubs last season

‘I don’t think Raya would leave Brentford – who’s the number one at Brentford – to be number two at Arsenal, or any club. If I was in that position, I wouldn’t go to any club as a number two, no chance. So I don’t understand why Arteta wants to bring him in. 

‘The goalie coach used to be at Brentford, so he’s bringing Raya in for a reason, he likes him. Maybe he’s given some assurances he’s going to be number one, but I wouldn’t be happy if I was Ramsdale.’

Given explained that outfield positions have two options in every role fighting for position, but the ‘psychology’ was different for goalkeepers. 

Given raised questions about why Mikel Arteta had chosen to bring in Raya on a  loan deal

‘Psychologically, if you make a mistake – and we all do, we’re human beings – you’ll think “Oh, I made a mistake, Raya’s gonna play next week”, or Ramsdale. You’re playing on a bit of an edge the whole time.

‘You don’t want that as a goalkeeper, you want to play. You want the backing of your manager, “You’re my number one. Even if you make a mistake, I’ll back you”.

‘Couple of mistakes from Ramsdale last year, played into midfield, he got caught out, and they conceded a goal. Does he look over his shoulder going “Oh, Raya’s going to come in now cause I’ve made a mistake”? No, he needs to know he’s a number one, and I don’t think it’s a good chemical to have both of them pushing for that position.’

Arsenal started their Premier League campaign with Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, but Raya could be in the squad by the time the Gunners play Crystal Palace on August 21.  


Source: Read Full Article