Arsenal are set for an important summer transfer window but Mikel Arteta’s side are closing in on their most important signing already.
The Premier League title went to Manchester City once again after Pep Guardiola’s side showed their strength and character and were superb in the final two months of the season.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners did not do too much wrong during this season’s run in but a 2-0 defeat to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium in April, proved to be the decisive moment.
Despite not winning the title, one aspect that Arsenal were rightly praised for throughout the season was their defensive solidity with Mikel Arteta’s team conceding just 29 goals in the league.
Raya signing vital
HITC Football reported that Arsenal are set to announce the agreement to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal and this signing will be vital.
Having a goalkeeper like Raya, who has put in multiple impressive performances for the Gunners in the Premier League, will be vital and sorting out a key position like the goalkeeper, will also play a key role next season.
After making a vital save against Wolves at Molineux, Arteta was asked how important his save was in the context of the game, he said: “Very, because we didn’t concede anything up to that point. We had some very open situations that would have changed the game for sure.
“David was outstanding in that moment to make the save that we needed and then we took advantage.”
Having a player who can make stunning saves and help his side get over the winning line, will be vital.
The imminent signing of Raya means that Aaron Ramsdale, who was Arsenal’s number one during the 2022/23 campaign, may well be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium this summer with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United understood to be keen.
Raya won the Golden Glove award for most clean sheets, and Arsenal would be risking taking a backwards step if they do not sign him up. Getting the transfer agreed for next season has become essential business.
Importance of Raya
A solid defence is always important for any title winning team but having a goalkeeper who can be relied upon for 38 games of the Premier League campaign is just as important, just ask Liverpool and City with Alisson and Ederson.
Raya is a strong presence in the penalty box for Arsenal, which is vital if your team is under pressure. According to FBREF, Raya stops 13% of opposition crosses, which is the second highest in Europe’s top five leagues.
He also has a 50% clean sheet rate in the Premier League, which ranks him the fourth highest in Europe’s top five leagues.
Arsenal are seemingly keen on strengthening their forward line as they bid to add more goals to their team but keeping the goalkeeper, who was one of the best in the division during this season, is vital to the Gunners’ hopes of league glory next May.
