David Raya reflects on 'incredible' Arsenal spell and reveals new Champions League target

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Evening Standard

·15 September 2025

David Raya reflects on 'incredible' Arsenal spell and reveals new Champions League target

The Spaniard has gone from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta

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David Raya said it was the right decision for him to come to Arsenal to further his career.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who made his 100th Arsenal appearance against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, has been a revelation for Mikel Arteta’s side since arriving from Brentford two years ago.

The Spanish shot-stopper celebrated the milestone with his 42nd clean sheet for the club as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners over Forest, but he was quick to heap praise on his team-mates for their part in the record.

“I came here to go a step further in my career. I think it was the right decision,” Raya said ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League opener against Athletic Club.

“When I came here, Aaron (Ramsdale) was the goalkeeper and was playing. I just try to do my best on the pitch and off the pitch and give a reason to the boss to pick me.

“I think it was, maybe two years I made my debut, and from there it's been incredible. And having that record, with 42 clean sheets, but that goes to the credit to the team to the staff.”

World class: David Raya

REUTERS

Arteta was initially criticised for bringing Raya to the club to compete with then No1 Ramsdale, but the Arsenal boss’s decision has proved a masterstroke.

Raya admitted the pressure that came with his move impacted him at the start of his Arsenal career, but says he was quickly able to block out the noise by focusing on what he can control.

“Obviously, when I came to Arsenal, there was a lot of noise, a lot of talk outside. Having Aaron, he's an incredible keeper, and out of nowhere, he gets changed,” Raya continued.

“There was a few games I could have done better, everyone has bad games, the noise was getting (louder). I have to focus on the things under my control, I have to be deaf, basically. Just believe in myself.”

The 30-year-old, who has won the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last two seasons, added that Arsenal believe they can win the Champions League and the Premier League this season after falling agonisingly short in both competitions last year.

“We are, we have belief, we want to win, we are Arsenal and we play to win, that's not a doubt. That's what we play football for. It's a long journey in the Champions League and the Premier League.”