Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has warned rival shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale that he must "fight" to win his place back in the side following his recent demotion.
England international Ramsdale became the Gunners' number one upon his arrival in the summer of 2021, replacing Bernd Leno, and he immediately justified Arsenal's decision to spend £30m on his services.
Eyebrows were raised at the time given Ramsdale's relegations with Sheffield United and Bournemouth, but he endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful thanks to his exemplary distribution and athleticism.
With Ramsdale in goal, Arsenal came agonisingly close to Champions League qualification in 2021-22 before launching an unforeseen title charge last term, eventually finishing second in the table behind Manchester City.
Ramsdale kept 14 clean sheets for Mikel Arteta's side in the 2022-23 Premier League and comfortably kept Matt Turner out of the team, but the Gunners made a surprise loan move over the summer for Brentford's Raya, which is expected to become permanent next summer for £27m.
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Ramsdale initially retained possession of the number one jersey, but Raya has since donned the gloves against Everton in the Premier League and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, keeping clean sheets in both matches.
The Spaniard has not been significantly tested in either game, but he was assured when called upon, and there is a consensus that he will keep his place for Sunday's North London derby.
Arsenal boss Arteta offered curt replies when asked about Raya and Ramsdale's battle for the number one shirt before the 4-0 thrashing of PSV, although he previously suggested that the pair could be rotated as he shifts away from having a designated backup goalkeeper.
The Gunners boss even admitted to wanting to substitute his goalkeeper in previous games, but he could not work up the "courage" to do so, and Raya was asked about his head-to-head with Ramsdale by Sky Sports News on Wednesday night.
When questioned on Arteta's decision to start him over Ramsdale, Raya replied: "That's his choice, it's not my choice. If Aaron comes back in he needs to fight for the team and to win games.
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"I think it's the first time that two top goalies are on the same team. That's just part of football now. The gaffer wants two top players for each position and that's what we have to work with."
However, the Bees loanee admitted that he was unsure whether he would keep his spot for the North London derby, adding: "I played the last two games and I don't know what's going to happen on Sunday."
Since his demotion to the bench, Ramsdale has supposedly emerged as a transfer target for both Chelsea and Bayern Munich, but he only signed a contract extension until 2026 with the option of a further year back in May.
As a result, the 25-year-old is not thought to have any plans to leave Arsenal, where he has kept 30 clean sheets in 83 appearances over the past two seasons, while he was also named in the 2022-23 PFA Team of the Year.
Ben Knapton
