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David Raya opens up on ‘really good’ relationship with Aaron Ramsdale
Arsenal’s David Raya has emphasized that his relationship with teammate Aaron Ramsdale remains “really good,” despite Raya securing the starting goalkeeper position this season.
Arsenal initially signed Raya on loan from Brentford in August, and it’s understood that the club intends to make the deal permanent. After initially being on the bench for three matches before the season’s first international break, Raya has since started every Premier League game he’s been eligible for, as well as five of Arsenal’s six Champions League group stage fixtures.
Raya’s ascent to the starting role has meant Ramsdale, who was voted into the 2022/23 PFA Team of the Year, has seen a reduction in playing time and has been linked with a potential move away in search of regular minutes. Despite the competition for the starting spot, Raya affirms that his relationship with Ramsdale remains strong.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website, Raya said he gets along well with Ramsdale, but ultimately his focus is on helping the club achieve their goals.
“It’s a big thing when another goalie comes to a club,” Raya said. “Aaron had a magnificent season last year so I’m just here to help the team to win the games when the gaffer puts me in.
“My relationship with Aaron is really good. We’re teammates and try to make each other better in every single session. We don’t try to hear what the outside world is saying, just focus on the team.
“I’m enjoying every time I go out there, playing football and doing what I love, especially enjoying every single training session as well. It’s incredible to be part of this football club and hopefully we can fight for the title.
“A club of this level, you cannot drop at any point. We want to fight and try to win as many titles as we can, so it’s very demanding. For me now, experiencing new things, it’s very demanding. The teams in the top six and top 10 are behind us so we have to keep on our toes and try to win every single match.”