David Raya has established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice keeper over the last two seasons, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in competition for the Spaniard this summer
Arsenal have revealed David Raya will officially become their No.1 next year after the Spaniard opted to change his shirt number. Raya has been the first-choice since last season, when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale.
He initially arrived on loan, taking the number 22 with Ramsdale in place with the No.1 shirt. Raya made his move to the Emirates permanent last summer, while Ramsdale was sold to Southampton.
The Spaniard opted to keep hold of his 22 shirt this season, with Ramsdale having not been sold until late in the window. The No.1 has remained vacant across this campaign, despite Raya playing all but three games.
Neto has been his main back-up, with Tommy Setford and Jack Porter appearing in one Carabao Cup game apiece. Boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his goalkeeping options in the summer.
While he is looking to bring in more competition for Raya, the Gunners have made it clear he will remain Arteta’s first-choice. The club have announced a move before the transfer window even opens which firms up Raya’s position.
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It has been announced that Raya will switch shirt numbers from 22 to the number one. The Gunners confirmed that the Spaniard made the decision to move into the vacant No.1 shirt himself.
He follows in the footsteps of David Seaman, Jens Lehmann, Manuel Almunia, Wojciech Szczesny, Petr Cech, Bernd Leno and Ramsdale. All of them have worn the Gunners’ No.1 shirt since permanent squad numbers were introduced to the Premier League back in 1993/94.
With the No.22 shirt vacant, it has been taken by wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, who has left his No.53 jersey. The changes will come into effect following the conclusion of the current campaign.
Arteta’s top target for a new keeper is Joan Garcia, who has impressed at Espanyol. The Spaniard has reportedly made it clear he wants to join the Gunners, with Aston Villa and Barcelona also circling.
Arsenal failed in a move for Garcia last summer, but he has admitted he now feels ready to step up, with a spot in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad his aim. He told AP last month: “There was lots of interest last summer, above all from Arsenal.
“But I stayed here and from then on I have been 100% focused on this campaign. We all know the situation, not just mine, but of the club, and anything can happen. But the future will tell and we will worry about it when the time comes.
“I think I am goalkeeper that transmits confidence when it comes to making decisions.“And through the years I have learned to accept my mistakes and use them to improve. I think that is something that any football player needs, but especially a goalkeeper.
“I am proud to be considered one of the goalkeepers who have a chance to go to the national team. It is the highest honor to play for one’s country at a World Cup. So if I have that chance, I will give it my all to make it happen.”
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