Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal think their £27m player has now become one of the world’s best

Add as preferred source on Google

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that people within Arsenal believe that a player they signed is now one of the world’s best in his position.

The Gunners have recruited effectively in recent years, bringing in a number of players who have elevated them from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers.

Andrea Berta spent £250 million in the summer to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad in several areas, and this approach appears to have been effective already, as the North Londoners sit top of the Premier League after seven matches.

That said, a core member of the Spaniard’s squad who has been in N5 for a few years is now being talked about in glowing terms by senior figures at Arsenal.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Arsenal believe David Raya is one of the world’s best goalkeepers

Arsenal signed David Raya for £27 million in the summer of 2024.

This deal was ratified after the Spaniard impressed on loan in North London during the 2023/24 season, although he ascended to a new level last term.

The number one was exceptional last season, making a number of exquisite saves, distributing the ball outstandingly and commanding his box with authority.

Raya has been rewarded for this form with a new contract, as the Gunners were eager to show that they recognise his progress by offering him more lucrative terms.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arteta and Berta are convinced that they have one of the very best goalkeepers at their disposal.

“One of these players is the goalkeeper David Raya,” he said.

“Arsenal are very happy with him. Arsenal believe, and when I say Arsenal I mean the club management, the director Andrea Berta and the coach Mikel Arteta, all the people in the coaching staff, they believe David Raya is really one of the best in the world in his position.

“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, they love him and they would not swap David Raya with any goalkeeper in the world in this moment. They love him and so this is why David Raya signed improved terms at Arsenal, technically it’s not a new contract because the length will be the same, 2028, but it’s an improved salary.”

What can David Raya still improve on?

Raya is perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world at claiming crosses and commanding his box.

He’s also certainly one of the best with his feet, capable of threading an inch-perfect pass into midfield, as well as launching accurate long-balls to forward players.

From a shot-stopping point of view, his reflexes are absolutely outstanding. That said, there is still one area of his game that could develop.

Arsenal give up few good chances, so it’s not a huge issue, but Raya is not the most imposing or intimidating goalkeeper when one-on-one with an opposition attacker.

This was one of Aaron Ramsdale’s best attributes, whereas Raya rarely comes out on top when a player is bearing down on his goal and there are no defender to stop them.

He could certainly get better at spreading himself in these situations, and closing down the angles that the opponent has when through on goal.