Harry Diamond
Ben Foster, a former goalkeeper for Manchester United, has criticised Arsenal’s choice to acquire David Raya as ‘pathetic’.
Raya was signed by the Gunners earlier this month, originally on loan, for a reported £3 million cost, according to football.london. The agreement also provides a £27 million buyout option for the residents of north London, rather than an obligation, should all parties judge the transfer to be amicable.
However, former England international Foster has expressed his disgust with the decision, claiming that it won’t be advantageous to current Arsenal No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal relied on Ramsdale as their goalkeeper for all 38 games last season.
Ramsdale kept a career-high 14 clean sheets in a Premier League season last year, as Arsenal finished as runners-up behind Manchester City, raising hope of a Premier League triumph and tempting fans to to use betting promo codes on a potential title win.
Foster spoke on the effect Raya joining Arsenal would have on Ramsdale, telling 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. [Ramsdale has] been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s No.1 with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there.
“When he’s full of confidence and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country.”
Although Raya has joined the team, Ramsdale has started all four Premier League games so far. According to manager Mikel Arteta, the former Sheffield United goalkeeper has responded well to the increased challenge.
In response to a question concerning Ramsdale’s reaction to the move, Arteta said: “Very positive. The way I see them training, I saw a training session they did the other day, it was fantastic.
“I think the connection that they have straight away is really good, but this is something that doesn’t surprise me. This is what I expect from players. It’s the same that I expect when I brought Declan Rice. What is their reaction? Hopefully really, really positive because the team wants to be better.
“If that’s not the reaction, the team doesn’t want to be better, then I will be worried. Then we haven’t created an environment that we want at this club.”
Raya is one of four players the Gunners acquired during the summer for a total of more than £200 million, alongside Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice.