David Raya says he will raise his level after arrival of new goalkeeper Kepa | OneFootball

David Raya says the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will only make him better.

Kepa signed for Arsenal from rivals Chelsea this summer to provide competition for his fellow Spaniard Raya.

And Raya admits his place as Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper is far from guaranteed.

“He just came in as a new team mate, to add another goalie to the group,” Raya said. “The manager has not said anything, so we will see what happens.

“There is only one goalkeeper who can play and the boss will decide. We both understand how tough this position is. I will raise my level, he will raise his, and that can only benefit the team.”

Kepa remains the most expensive keeper in history following his £71.6million move to Stamford Bridge in 2018.

Arsenal signed the 30-year-old for just £5m, however, and he is already making his presence felt, saving three penalties in a shootout win over AC Milan in Singapore.

“It is normal to have competition in every single position,” Raya continued. “That is good for me, good for him, and good for the team. We have got a strong, healthy relationship. I know him from the national team and we are very good friends.

“It helps to have been through this before. Competing raises standards. That is how the boss wants it: two top players in every position. That is what we have got now.”

But Raya is now setting his sights on helping Arsenal to end their trophy drought, having come close in the last three seasons.

“Every year is big, but we have not even started this one yet,” he said. “Let us focus on pre season, the game against Newcastle on Sunday, then go step by step. The aim is to keep improving and of course win silverware — that is the main point.”

Arsenal face Newcastle in Singapore next up before heading to Hong Kong to take on Spurs.