A round-up of the latest Arsenal headlines as the Gunners enter a crucial final few weeks of the season
Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of history continues with Premier League and Champions League success within touching distance.
The Gunners sit atop the standings with merely two fixtures left and are preparing to face European holders Paris Saint-Germain in the final on May 30. Mikel Arteta’s squad could still claim the two most prestigious club honours in football but must demonstrate unwavering resolve during the concluding weeks of the season which may well shape the legacies of the club’s leading figures – including Arteta himself.
With the crucial stage of the campaign upon us, David Raya has expressed his position on his manager’s perspective regarding the goalkeeping role, while transfer speculation continues to intensify. We examine the latest developments surrounding the table-toppers.
Raya’s different stance to Arteta
David Raya has cemented his reputation amongst the globe’s finest goalkeepers under Arteta, though the Spanish shot-stopper has revealed he took issue with his manager’s initial handling of the number one scenario.
Following Raya’s arrival at Arsenal in 2023, Aaron Ramsdale occupied the club’s first-choice goalkeeper position, with Arteta maintaining he regarded both players as legitimate starters. He consistently declined to designate one as his primary option and the other as his deputy.
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While Raya, 30, eventually prevailed in his competition with the Englishman, he has suggested the Gunners boss’ approach was misguided. The Spain international pointed to his underwhelming display in Arsenal’s 4-3 victory over Luton Town in late 2023 as evidence of how the uncertainty surrounding his position affected his performances.
Discussing his rivalry with Ramsdale, Raya told Mundo Deportivo: “I arrived at a club with a number one goalkeeper, which was Aaron Ramsdale, very loved by the fans, by the teammates, by the staff… a tremendous goalkeeper, a top goalkeeper.
“At the start, I went out to play, to enjoy myself, and then there comes a moment where I don’t have a good match, against Luton, which I think is the worst match of my career. Even though we won 3-4, I wasn’t good.
“That’s when I realise the magnitude of everything behind it. Even though I’m not someone who looks at social media or reads much press, I realise everything, that you can’t have two number one goalkeepers.”
Arsenal target £52m ace
Irrespective of how Arsenal’s campaign concludes, plans to strengthen their squad could commence with the acquisition of Roma’s defensive talent Wesley, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
Any pursuit of his services could see the north London club compete with rivals Tottenham, who are also understood to hold an interest in the Brazilian. The 22-year-old full-back only made the move to the Serie A outfit last season for £26million (€30m), yet his stunning displays – described by the Italian outlet as “astonishing” – have swiftly drawn the attention of several of Europe’s elite sides.
Having registered five goals and two assists across 37 appearances in all competitions, Wesley’s valuation has reportedly rocketed to a staggering £52m (€60m). In addition to the two London clubs, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United are all said to have been won over by the versatile starlet.
The outlet claims that should Arsenal miss out on Newcastle defender Tino Livramento to the Citizens, they will look to step up their interest in Wesley without delay.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
