Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale has been ‘very positive’ in his reaction to David Raya’s arrival this summer, and expects the pair to push each other to improve.
The Gunners have signed Raya on an initial loan deal with an option to buy for around £27m, with many expecting the Spaniard to compete with or even displace Ramsdale in the upcoming campaign.
Quizzed on the move ahead of the Community Shield win over Manchester City, Ramsdale merely told Raya to ‘bring it on’ and the Arsenal boss has confirmed that his reaction is exactly what he wanted to see.
“It’s very positive”, Arteta explained when asked about the situation.
“The way I see them training. I saw a session they did the other day and it was fantastic. The connection that they have straightaway is really good.”
“But this is something that doesn’t surprise me. It’s something I expect from players. It is the same as when I bought Declan Rice…what is the reaction? Hopefully, it’s really really positive, because the team wants to be better.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners are thought to still be in the transfer market for a replacement for Jurrien Timber, who is set to miss the majority of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.
They are also believed to be keen on adding another forward to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka.
