Mikel Arteta reacts to David Raya's ambition to play in La Liga with unexpected response
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has joked that David Raya "has to play in Spain at some point" in his career, but only on the beach with his friends.
Earlier this week, in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish publication Marca, Raya said he "would love" to play in La Liga after being asked about the possibility of returning to his homeland.
"Yes, I would love to," he said. "I would love to try out La Liga. For now, I'm very happy here [at Arsenal], but I would certainly like to experience the Spanish league."
Raya, whose contract at Arsenal expires in June 2028, added: "I think it's a very competitive league. Perhaps, in the future, I could play for a Spanish club. I'm Spanish, and I'd love to play there - that's for sure."
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Mikel Arteta responds to David Raya's ambition to play in La Liga
A few days later and, in his press conference ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton, Mikel Arteta was inevitably asked about Raya's comments as he spoke to the media.
The Spaniard played down suggestions that the goalkeeper could leave. In fact, he made an unexpected joke about the situation.
"I think David has to play in Spain at some point… on the beach, with his friends in the summer," said Arteta with a grin on his face. "But for the next few years he needs to play here for Arsenal."
The 31-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed arguably the best season of his career across 2025-26, helping the Gunners lift the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
Golden Glove winner Raya also played a pivotal role in Arsenal reaching the finals of the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Speaking about his form last season, Raya said: "I believe I've had a perfect year. Perhaps the only thing missing was playing in the World Cup. Every year since I arrived at Arsenal, I've continued to improve and hopefully that will keep happening.
"But I truly believe this year, by winning the Premier League and playing a decisive role in the league, the Champions League, and the Community Shield... it has been my best season as a professional, being impactful and lifting trophies."
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In terms of the short-term future, Raya wants to help Arsenal defend their Premier League crown and more.
"I want to win it all," he added. "We want to establish ourselves as favourites, and that is our goal. Hopefully, this year we can improve upon last season by winning the Champions League, but there is still a long way to go before that happens."
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Jack Kenmare