Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions that David Raya could leave Arsenal to move to La Liga, joking that the goalkeeper can play in Spain "on the beach" in the future.
Raya joined Arsenal on an initial loan from Brentford in August 2023 before the move was made permanent for £27 million the following year. The 31-year-old was integral to Arsenal's success last season, helping the club win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.
Raya's La Liga ambition
Speaking this week, Raya, whose contract with Arsenal expires in 2028, made clear he aims to return to Spain before his career ends.
"I would love to play in La Liga one day," Raya told Marca. "Right now, I'm very happy at Arsenal, but it's true that I'd love to play in LaLiga one day. It's a very competitive league. I'm Spanish and I'd love to play in Spain, that's obvious."
Arteta's response
When asked about Raya's comments, Arteta replied: "I think David has to play in Spain at some point… on the beach, with his friends in the summer. But for the next few years he needs to play here for Arsenal."
The manager's light-hearted response suggests Arsenal have no intention of allowing Raya to leave in the near future, with the goalkeeper expected to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
