'Best in the world' - huge claim made about £27m Arsenal ace amid stellar season start

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is reportedly set to ‘take the crown’ from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois in being named the best goalkeeper in the world.

According to AS, who recently covered how the 29-year-old shot-stopper has ‘started the season as a star’, the ex-Brentford keeper is ‘determined’ to dethrone Belgian goalkeeper Courtois.

AS continue their report by claiming that the Spaniard has ‘elevated his status’ to that of Arsenal’s star, placing him above even the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. He has now supposedly ‘fully entered the debate’ to be the best goalkeeper in the world, a position which AS believes is currently held by the La Liga and Belgium star.

The Spanish media outlet claim Raya is ‘going to achieve a miracle per game’ after he started his 2024/25 season with a superb save to deny Olly Watkins in the Gunners opening Premier League win over Aston Villa.

Raya has since gone on to keep three clean sheets in five league matches; produce a phenomenal double save against Atalanta in the Champions League and make nine interventions during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City. He has conceded just three goals so far this season.

Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano recently spoke of Arsenal’s ‘bargain’ deal for the keeper as, while Mikel Arteta paid just £27 million to make Raya’s move from Brentford permanent, the transfer specialist believes the Spanish star could be worth as much as £60m.

The keeper was, however, out of action for Arsenal’s recent 5-1 thrashing over Bolton with 16-year-old Jack Porter being handed his first Gunners appearance. Raya was seen with his right knee bandaged up at the Etihad on Sunday and while it had been hoped that resting him in the EFL Cup would mean he would be fit to take on Leicester this weekend, Arteta remained hesitant to confirm his star keeper’s availability

Speaking to the media after his side’s Carabao Cup win at the Emirates, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet. It’s a muscular injury.”