Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is giving “serious consideration” to starting David Raya ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in upcoming fixtures, according to the Daily Mail.
The Spaniard has impressed the Gunners boss in training, particularly with his distribution and there is a good chance that he will be given an extended run in the first team very soon.
Fans on X have been discussing the implications for Ramsdale and whether it is fair to drop the 25-year-old from the starting lineup:
Hopefully this is true
— Day™️ (@InjeelJiday) September 5, 2023
Horrible move. Both tactically and morally. He is doing the same thing to Ramsdale like he did to Leno
— FPL Caniggia (@FplCafe) September 5, 2023
I’d personally take it one game at a time but give Raya the next shot.
— Scotty – Phaithful Phanatic 🩸 (@ScottyDrowned) September 5, 2023
I don’t really see what Rams have done wrong tho. He’s been okay and doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
For these keepers, there’s no need to rush and be seen as unjust. Rams will have a bad game soon. We should just wait for that.— Ansem.Edet (@OfficialAE10) September 5, 2023
One thing I've learned here is Arteta is ruthless but to be successful you have to be ruthless.
— Neutral Gooner (@NeutralGooner) September 5, 2023
I think the international break was always going to be the time for the switch.
Ramsdale gets Champions League football.
With a save percentage of 55% it’s not good enough— Beardedblackman (@BeyondArsenal) September 6, 2023
Once the champions league starts, Raya would feature more often.
— D O A (@lyrical_doa) September 6, 2023
Ramsdale is quality, no need to change him, the only mistake is arteta using partey at rb, use raya for fa and carabao cup. Ramsdale hasn't really done anything wrong
— Ja〽️esbond 👑 (@jamesbond007sol) September 5, 2023
The writing is on the wall for Ramsdale
Ever since the rumours first surfaced that Arsenal were looking to bring in Raya, it has raised questions about Ramsdale’s future as the club’s number one.
Raya was originally Arsenal’s top goalkeeper target even before Ramsdale was signed from Sheffield United, with coach Inaki Cana known to be a big fan.
After finally making the switch to the Emirates this summer, it was only a matter of time before Raya was given his chance.
When could Raya make his first start for Arsenal?
The international break could be seen as the best time to swap keepers, which could mean Raya gets the nod to play against Everton in the Gunners’ next fixture.
However, a debut versus the Toffees may not be the wisest of decisions, considering how difficult away games at Goodison Park can be. The first Champions League group match against PSV Eindhoven may be the likelier option.
