Arsenal will be chasing both Premier League and Champions League glory in the coming weeks, with the club also preparing for a busy summer transfer window
Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of history continues to gather pace with Premier League and Champions League glory within touching distance.
The Gunners sit atop the table with merely two fixtures left to play and are poised to face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the European showpiece on May 30.
With the season’s climax approaching, David Raya has revealed his position on his manager’s philosophy regarding the goalkeeping role, while transfer speculation continues to intensify. Daily Star Sport examines the latest developments surrounding the table-toppers.
David Raya clashed with Mikel Arteta
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David Raya has cemented his status as one of the globe’s finest shot-stoppers under Mikel Arteta, yet the Spanish custodian has confessed he took issue with his boss over the number one situation at the Emirates, reports the Mirror.
Following Raya’s switch to Arsenal in 2023, Aaron Ramsdale held the position as the club’s first-choice keeper, with Arteta maintaining he viewed both players as legitimate starters. He consistently declined to designate one as his primary choice and the other as his deputy.
While Raya, 30, eventually emerged victorious in his duel with the Englishman, he’s argued the Gunners boss’ approach was misguided.
Discussing his competition 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.
“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
Irrespective of how Arsenal’s campaign concludes, plans to strengthen their squad could commence with the capture of Roma’s defensive talent Wesley, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
Nevertheless, any pursuit of his services could pit the north London club against rivals Tottenham, who are also reportedly keen on the Brazilian.
The 22-year-old full-back only arrived at the Serie A club last season for £26million (€30m) but his outstanding displays, which the Italian side have branded “astonishing”, have already sparked reported interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs.
With five goals and two assists across 37 appearances in all competitions, the report suggests Wesley’s valuation has rocketed to an eye-watering £52m (€60m).
Alongside the two London clubs, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United have all been left impressed by the adaptable star.
The media outlet claims should Arsenal miss out on Magpies defender Tino Livramento to the Citizens, they will then fast-track their chase for Wesley.