Ben Foster slams ‘pathetic’ Mikel Arteta for signing David Raya to challenge Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal

Former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has branded Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ‘pathetic’ for his decision to bring in David Raya to challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the no1 spot.

Ramsdale has served as the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper for the last two seasons but his position has come under scrutiny following the arrival of Raya this summer.

The Spain international joined Arsenal on a season-long loan deal from Brentford earlier this month with the option to make the deal permanent next summer.

Ramsdale was at fault during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, conceding after just one minute with Andreas Pereira’s effort catching him out of his goal and off balance following an error from Bukayo Saka.

Foster Not Impressed with Arteta’s Decision

With the spotlight now firmly on Ramsdale, Foster has questioned Arteta’s decision to bring in another goalkeeper of comparable ability in Raya, insisting the Spaniard’s arrival was not necessary.

‘That’s not the way to do things,’ Foster told 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. He’s been a top goalie for two years. He’s on the edge of being England’s number one 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.’

Foster is not the first to question Raya’s arrival with Gary Neville also predicting the competition for the no1 sport could prove disruptive this term.

Arteta Defends Decision

Following the goalkeeper’s arrival this month, Arteta defended the decision and admitted he does not have a first-choice option ‘in any position’.

I understand but there are always questions, when we had different goalkeepers there were questions as well.

‘There is nothing wrong we have two great left wingers and two great strikers and two great holding midfielders and that’s not a problem so this shouldn’t be a problem either.’

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether Ramsdale or Raya will be given the nod by Arteta going forward but Foster’s comments will certainly add fuel to the fire. With both goalkeepers of a similar quality, it could be a difficult decision for Arteta to make and one that could have a major impact on Arsenal’s fortunes this season.