Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has branded Arsenal’s signing of David Raya as ‘pathetic.’
It came as something of a surprise when news broke that the Gunners had begun talks with the wantaway Brentford shot-stopper. Raya had turned down the opportunity to join Bayern on loan, while Brentford’s asking price put off other suitors.
Arsenal ultimately managed to negotiate a loan deal with a €3.34 million loan fee, but many questions remained unanswered. What was to happen with Aaron Ramsdale, who has been an excellent servant to the Gunners? Would the Spaniard come in to replace him or to merely provide competition?
Head coach Mikel Arteta recently made it clear that it was a case of the latter. “To be better [as a team], the environment has to be better,” Arteta said. “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, two great holding midfielders, two great strikers. There is no number one – not in any position.”
Fears that Raya would immediately replace the outstanding Ramsdale appear to have been misplaced since he has not actually featured for the Gunners yet, but to some, the move still doesn’t make sense.
‘Pathetic’ signing
Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster, who is now once again retired after a short stint with Ryan Reynolds-owner Wrexham, raged on his YouTube channel: “I hate it, it’s pathetic. It’s something that didn’t need to happen, right? They did not need to sign David Raya.”
“He [Ramsdale] has been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s number one with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there.”
“When he’s full of confidence,” Foster continued, “and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country.”