Arsenal told key summer decision has fixed Arteta mistake that held back two players last season

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One Arsenal star has impressed in recent weeks after Mikel Arteta’s show of faith over the summer. 

Arsenal were busy in the transfer market this summer. 

There were four additions to Mikel Arteta’s first team squad, with Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling, and goalkeeper Neto all arriving at the Emirates Stadium. 

Neto arrived on Transfer Deadline Day to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who departed North London to join Southampton.

Ramsdale needed to move on from Arsenal this summer, having lost his starting berth to David Raya early last season. The England international needs to be playing regular football at this stage in his career, and wasn’t going to be satisfied by another campaign spent playing second fiddle to the Spanish shot-stopper. 

Arsenal signed Raya on a permanent basis this summer too, with him having spent last season at the Emirates Stadium on loan from Brentford. This decision confirmed the Euro 2024 winner to be Arteta’s long-term first choice between the sticks. 

Raya has impressed Arsenal fans so far this season, and looks an assured and confident presence at the back for the Gunners, and has made a good job of repaying the manager’s faith so far. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

What held Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya back at Arsenal

Journalist Charles Watts is convinced that having both Raya and Ramsdale at the club last season was detrimental to each of them.

Arteta clearly hoped that the increased competition would bring the best out of the duo, but instead the situation served to make it harder for either player to really settle and play with confidence and freedom.

Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, Watts said: “His [Raya’s] fantastic start to the season that he is enjoying, obviously, he’s firmly established at Arsenal now as the No. 1. I think we are just going to see him improve, improve, improve.

“I honestly felt we wouldn’t see the best of David Raya until Aaron Ramsdale departed. Just because of that whole situation, I don’t think it helped either ‘keeper. I don’t think it helped Aaron Ramsdale when he came in for the few appearances he got.

“I don’t think either ‘keeper was able to play at their very best, until one of them went.”

Why Arsenal signed Neto

Ramsdale needed replacing, as back up for Raya was required, and the North London club ultimately went with Neto. 

Sporting director Edu Gaspar insisted on Neto, as the Gunners’ pursuit of a shot-stopper had drawn itself out to such an extent that it almost caused Ramsdale’s exit deal to collapse.

The Wolves loanee likely won’t play a great deal for Arsenal, but he has proven himself at Premier League level and provides reliable cover for Raya, and brings some additional experience to the dressing room.