The Gunners are one of the sides challenging for the title this season, with an impressive squad built by Mikel Arteta. But Arteta has now been warned that the man he brought in to be his first-choice keeper is not one of the best in the top-flight.
Instead, Alan Shearer believes that others are ahead of David Raya in his position. The Newcastle legend has also shared his fear for Arsenal's title hopes if Bukayo Saka is forced to spend an extended period on the sidelines.
Shearer's Raya dig
Alan Shearer has insisted David Raya remains some way behind Ederson and Alisson in the ranks of top keepers. Raya is the established No.1 at Arsenal having overtaken Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order last season.
“David Raya has starred this season, and he took that form into the international break with Spain too. But when you look at what Ederson does for Man City and Alisson at Liverpool, I wouldn’t say Raya is the best in the Premier League, yet," Shearer told Betfair.
"There’s no doubt he’s up there though as one of the best. Raya is exactly what Arsenal and Arteta wanted in terms of a ball-playing goalkeeper, who can start moves the way Arsenal want."
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle star Alexander Isak. The striker is understood to be stalling on signing a new deal with the Magpies, though his current deal runs until 2028.
The striker has been in talks with Newcastle chiefs for several months, but there is no sign that those negotiations are progressing. One of the main roadblocks to an agreement is Isak's demands to be made Newcastle's top earner.
He also wants a release clause added to the deal in exchange for his signature. The two sides are at a stalemate, with Arsenal now sizing up a move for the 25-year-old.
Saka fear shared
Alan Shearer has warned Arsenal that their title hopes will suffer a major blow if Bukayo Saka is sidelined. Saka was injured in England's defeat to Greece and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to face Bournemouth.
“It looks to be minor, but we’re not sure how long Saka will be out for, so for Arsenal to lose two of their big players, and both of those are huge players, it would be a massive blow to Arsenal," Shearer said.
"When you look at what he brings to the team with his energy, his ability and his attitude, he’s without doubt, one of their top players. I hope Saka’s injury is not too bad and by all accounts it doesn’t sound like it is, so it could be good news for him and Arsenal.”
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