Mikel Arteta warned he risks 'unsettling' Arsenal dressing room with decision
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been warned he's risking disruption to his squad by signing Brentford keeper David Raya.
It's been a fruitful summer for the Spaniard, who secured long-term target Declan Rice from West Ham in a deal worth £105m - initially a British transfer record before Moises Caicedo moved to Chelsea. Kai Havertz has also moved across London from Stamford Bridge for £68million, while Jurrien Timber signed from Ajax in a deal that could eventually rise to £38million.
But to the surprise of pundits and fans, Arteta has since been chasing another big name. Despite the form of Aaron Ramsdale last season, a deal has been confirmed for Brentford keeper David Raya, who has joined the Gunners on loan for a season with a view to a permanent move thereafter.
It's a pursuit that has undoubtedly raised eyebrows. Peter Schmeichel has been one to publicly question the logic of having two world class keepers in the same squad, and now another iconic Premier League stopper has also weighed in.
Brad Friedel, who made more than 450 appearances in England's top flight, has warned Arteta it's going to be "unsettling" for whichever keeper doesn't start regularly this season: "I'm a little bit confused as to the David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale story, and the timing of it," he exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone.
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"Raya is a fantastic goalkeeper, for sure, but if he goes to Arsenal and is their number one, then they're going to have to shift Ramsdale, so that causes a problem. I don't know who I'd rather have in goal out of the two of them, and I think that's actually one of the main issues. I really don't know who gets that starting spot."
Friedel, who was capped 82 times by the USA, also argued that competition for places can have an adverse effect on the mindset of a keeper: "Most number one goalkeepers in the Premier League don't need to be motivated by other goalkeepers pushing them; they motivate themselves," he added.
David Raya is closing in on a loan move to Arsenal (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Mikel Arteta asking for trouble by signing David Raya? Comment below.
"I actually think it could be really unsettling if Arsenal change things. If Ramsdale is all of a sudden their number two, then it's unsettling for him, and likewise, if Raya comes in and isn't starting games, it's unsettling for him.
"You can say what you want about the importance of competition for places for outfield players, but for goalkeepers it's a completely different thing. You just don't have two out-and-out number ones, in the prime of their careers, on your books."
A dilemma over who is primary keeper will be isn't the only headache facing Arteta, despite Arsenal opening their season with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The victory is marred by a serious knee injury to Timber, who now faces several months on the sidelines.
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