Shay Given criticizes Arsenal for planning to bring in Brentford’s David Raya on loan, claiming: “If I were Aaron Ramsdale I wouldn’t be happy.” You draw a problem’

Shay Given has questioned why Arsenal are signing goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, claiming current number 1 Aaron Ramsdale ‘wouldn’t be happy’.

Brentford has agreed to bring Raya to Arsenal on a £3 million loan this season, with an option to buy to increase that to £30 million if he joins permanently.

But former goalkeeper Given told BBC Match of the Day 2 that he felt the move was “a sign of trouble” to the Emirates, with Ramsdale already between the posts.

Given said, “I look at it and say ‘you’re drawing a problem’.” Ramsdale was one of the best players for me last year. He made some big appearances and really settled into the position.

“If you bring in Raya, who is a number one in her own right, you’re creating a problem for yourself.

Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya were both number 1 goalkeepers for their clubs last season

“I don’t think Raya would leave Brentford – who is number one at Brentford – to be number two at Arsenal or any club. If I was in that position I wouldn’t go number two at a club, no chance So I don’t understand why Arteta wants to bring him in.

“The goalkeeping coach used to be with Brentford, so he doesn’t bring Raya in for nothing, he likes him. Maybe he’s given assurances that he’ll be number one, but I wouldn’t be happy if I were Ramsdale.’

Given explained that outfield positions have two options in any role fighting for position, but the “psychology” was different for goalies.

Given the questions raised about why Mikel Arteta had chosen to bring Raya in on loan

“Psychologically, if you make a mistake – and we all do, we’re human beings – you’re going to think, ‘Oh, I made a mistake, Raya’s going to play next week,’ or Ramsdale. You play on a small edge all the time.

‘You don’t want that as a keeper, you want to play that. You want your manager’s support: “You are my number one. Even if you make a mistake, I will support you”.

“Last year Ramsdale made some mistakes, he played in midfield, he got caught and they conceded a goal. Does he look over his shoulder as he says “Oh, Raya is coming in now because I made a mistake”? No, he needs to know he’s a number one, and I don’t think it’s a good chemical to have them both push to that position.”

Arsenal started their Premier League campaign with Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, but Raya could be in the squad by the time the Gunners play Crystal Palace on August 21.