 Bacary Sagna has predicted who will be Mikel Arteta's No. 1 goalkeeper this season as Arsenal close in on a deal for Brentford's David Raya. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League last season, have agreed a £30m deal to sign the Spanish shot-stopper from Brentford. Arsenal's move for Raya came as somewhat of a surprise given Aaron Ramsdale impressed last season, helping the north London outfit mount an unlikely title challenge before they fell away towards the end of the campaign. Ex-Gunners defender Sagna says Raya will provide much-needed competition at Arsenal but still expects England international Ramsdale to be Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper. 'I don't understand why people criticise Aaron Ramsdale,' Sagna told Paddy Power. 'They need to remember the performances that he's put in since he joined the club. 'He's a top-quality goalkeeper and he'll be Arsenal's number one even if they sign David Raya. 'Ramsdale is good with his feet and of course, he'll sometimes make mistakes playing out from the back but that's part of the game. Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna (Picture: Sky Sports) 'You need players to take risks and Ramsdale does that, he got caught out a few times but that's part of the game – it doesn't detract from his amazing performances since joining Arsenal. 'If you want to be a champion now, you need top players, and the goalkeeper position is no different. They need a backup because who will replace Ramsdale if he gets injured? 'It's not to the backup isn't good enough but you need high level goalkeeping performances and Ramsdale has been shining since he joined, and Raya is also good. 'But that's football, Man City have Ederson who is amazing, but they've also got Stefan Ortega who is also amazing and very good with feet! You need a competitive squad and not be afraid to have competition for pla){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Bacary Sagna has predicted who will be Mikel Arteta’s No. 1 goalkeeper this season as Arsenal close in on a deal for Brentford’s David Raya.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League last season, have agreed a £30m deal to sign the Spanish shot-stopper from Brentford.
Arsenal’s move for Raya came as somewhat of a surprise given Aaron Ramsdale impressed last season, helping the north London outfit mount an unlikely title challenge before they fell away towards the end of the campaign.