Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta is trying to replace Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners look to sign David Raya from Brentford.
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Raya has emerged as a shock target for the Premier League runners-up and given Brentford value the shot-stopper at around £40m, Arsenal are unlikely to sign him with the expectation he will merely deputise to Ramsdale.
Ramsdale has exceeded expectations since joining Arsenal from Sheffield United in 2021, helping the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title last season.
But Merson noticed ‘mistakes’ creep into Ramsdale’s game towards the end of the campaign and believes ‘ruthless’ Arteta is considering making Raya his new No. 1.
‘I like Aaron Ramsdale, but he’s made a couple of mistakes recently,’ Merson told Sportskeeda. ‘Mikel Arteta is quite ruthless, and I don’t think he can afford the mistakes that seem to be creeping in.
‘It doesn’t surprise me that Arsenal are going after David Raya, and there’s no way he’s getting him for a big price just to sit on the bench.’
Looking ahead to the new season, Merson said Arsenal will face a ‘different kind of pressure’ after almost winning their first Premier League title since 2004 under Arteta.
Merson also fears Arsenal record-signing Declan Rice could struggle to adapt to his new surroundings following a £105m move from West Ham.
‘A lot of people say that Arsenal melted last season, but I think it was unbelievable that they got close to Manchester City,’ he added.
‘They were still in the title race towards the end of the season, and they’ll be massive players in the Premier League now. They’re going to face a different kind of pressure.
‘I think it’s going to be hard for Declan Rice to come into his own at Arsenal. When you play at West Ham, you haven’t got the ball much.
‘When you do, you keep possession to give your defence a breather. When Arsenal win the ball back, they get forward and don’t mess about.’
Arsenal face Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield final before beginning their Premier League campaign next weekend against Nottingham Forest.
MORE : Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Arsenal beating Man City to Declan Rice
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