Report: What Arsenal insiders have been saying about David Raya behind the scenes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has received criticism from some quarters for his decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya in between the Gunners sticks.

Ramsdale had barely put a foot wrong since joining Arsenal and has been doing well this season too. However, Arteta nevertheless opted to replace him with the Gunners summer signing.

The Evening Standard has now published an article giving more of an insight into Arteta’s decision to sign Raya and replace Ramsdale with the Spaniard.

As per the article, the Arsenal boss’ decision came from a conscious shift in how he wants his goalkeeper to play.

Raya made 1,475 passes in the Premier League last season, over 200 more than any other goalkeeper and 541 more than Ramsdale.

Newcastle United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

The article also notes how the introduction of Raya has seen Arsenal play through their goalkeeper more regularly.

And the key thing to take away is that “the manager remains convinced he has made the right call”.

In terms of how Raya is faring in the dressing room, the article says that replacing the popular Ramsdale has not been easy to handle.

However, his English humour and mannerisms have helped him settle and he is said to have an excellent work ethic, added the report.

Mikel Arteta always playing the long game at Arsenal – TBR View

Although it’s a shame that Ramsdale is now struggling for game time, it’s part and parcel of football. Besides, Arteta has been way more ruthless in the past when it came to other players.

For instance, he froze out the likes of Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. And Bernd Leno, who had also done well, was dethroned by Ramsdale and eventually he left.For instance, he froze out the likes of Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. And Bernd Leno, who had also done well, was dethroned by Ramsdale and eventually he left.

So far, most of Arteta’s decisions have proven good in the long run. When he took the reins, the Gunners were a banter club. That’s not the case any more.

And it’s good to hear that the Arsenal dressing room seems to have taken well to Raya. The harmony of the dressing room is absolutely key.