Arteta jokes Raya can play in Spain 'on the beach' in summer
David Raya has admitted he would love to test himself in La Liga one day, and Mikel Arteta has responded with a light hearted but pointed message: not any time soon.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Arsenal goalkeeper was asked whether he had ambitions to play in his homeland having spent his entire professional career in England. His answer was honest.
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“Yes, I would love to. I would love to try out La Liga,” Raya said. “For now, I'm very happy here, but I would certainly like to experience the Spanish league. I think it's a very competitive league. Perhaps, in the future, I could play for a Spanish club. I'm Spanish and I'd love to play there, that's for sure.”
When Arteta was quizzed on those comments, the Arsenal boss offered a playful but firm response. “I think David has to play in Spain at some point, on the beach with his friends in the summer but for the next few years he needs to play here for Arsenal,” he said.
Raya's rise at Arsenal
Born in Catalonia, Raya moved to Lancashire as a 16 year old on scholarship terms with Blackburn Rovers, before a Non-League loan spell at Southport and 98 first team appearances for Rovers. He joined Brentford in 2019 and became one of the Premier League's most reliable goalkeepers before Arsenal signed him, initially on loan before making the move permanent for £27million.
Since establishing himself as Arsenal's No.1 ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, Raya has become a key figure under Arteta. He played a central role as Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years last season and also helped the club reach the Champions League final in Budapest. He is under contract at Arsenal until 2028.
Raya's form has also been recognised on the international stage. He was part of Spain's World Cup winning squad in North America and is nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world's best goalkeeper, with the Ballon d'Or ceremony taking place in London on Monday.
Crediting his coach
Reflecting on his development, Raya recently praised Blackburn goalkeeping coach John Keeley on the Beyond The Box Podcast for giving him his early opportunities. “I don't know what, but he saw something in me since the first day,” Raya said. “He took me to Portugal with the first team when I was 17, for no reason. I think he saw something in me that not all the people saw. He put a lot of work into me, and he was one of the reasons I went on loan, why I made my debut, why I started the following season as number one. He believed in me and I always have a lot to thank him for. Without him, I don't think I would have made my debut.”
For now, Raya's focus remains firmly on Arsenal, with his long term future at the Emirates secure well into the coming seasons.
