David Raya now makes ‘angry’ Mikel Arteta claim as Arsenal goalkeeper shares dressing room insight

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has opened up about working with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

Raya is currently on international duty with Arsenal teammate Mikel Merino, as Spain prepare to play Denmark and Serbia in the Nations League. 

The goalkeeper has risen to the top in the Premier League this season, building on his first term at Arsenal, where he won the Golden Glove award.

From world-class saves to being a dominant figure in the box, Raya has improved significantly since first joining the Gunners, proving that Arteta made the right call to sign him. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings so far in 2024/25 as three players shine but one seriously disappoints

David Raya opens up about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Raya made his move from Brentford permanent in the summer, calling North London home for good as he sealed his transfer.

Now Arsenal’s firm number one, the Spaniard is relishing life in Arteta’s system and has recently opened up about working with the manager.

Speaking to Radio MARCA whilst on international duty, the 29-year-old was quizzed on working with Arteta and how the Arsenal boss compares to former national team coach Luis Enrique.

“I think they are on par,” Raya said about the two managers while laughing at the question of who is the angriest. 

“When they get angry, they both have character. In Arteta’s case, when he has to get angry, he does. Sometimes, we players have to wake up, it’s normal because it’s good for the team.”

The shot-stopper is embracing Arteta’s firm words, as are his teammates, who have started the 2024/25 season in strong form, being unbeaten in all competitions.

Arsenal players on international duty

Raya will hope to return to North London and continue the form that Arsenal have built over the campaign.

First, the goalkeeper will be eager to become Spain’s number one, with him given the chance to do so during the October international break.

Raya and Merino are with the Spain squad, with plenty of other Arsenal players on duty with their respective nations.

• Raya and Merino – Spain

• William Saliba – France

• Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka – England

• Riccardo Calafiori – Italy

• Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes – Brazil

• Leandro Trossard – Belgium

• Jakub Kiwior – Poland 

• Thomas Partey – Ghana 

Notable absentees from the international break are Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, who will remain in North London to continue their recovery from injury.