FORMER ENGLAND goalkeeper Ben Foster has slammed Arsenal's signing of David Raya as "pathetic" insisting Aaron Ramsdale is "as good as anyone in this country."
Mikel Arteta brought in Raya this summer for a year-long loan for £3million with an obligation to buy for £27m.
The Arsenal boss has insisted that there is no No1 for any position as he wants two players per position who can compete.
Raya will battle for the No1 spot in Arteta's line-up alongside Ramsdale.
But Premier League legend Foster has criticised Arteta's plan and offered his backing to Ramsdale.
He told his YouTube channel: "I hate it, it’s pathetic. It’s something that didn’t need to happen, right.
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"They did not need to sign David Raya. Ramsdale been a top goalie for two years.
"He’s on the edge of being England’s No1 with Jordan Pickford, he’s right there.
"When he’s full of confidence and he’s got a manager putting his arm around him, he’s as good as anyone in this country."
Arteta has shown little sympathy for goalkeeping mistakes which might be a cause for concern for Ramsdale after Arsernal's 2-2 draw against Fulham on Saturday.
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He was arguably at fault for the Cottagers' first, with Ramsdale caught in no-man's land after a sloppy pass from Bukayo Saka, which allowed Andreas Pereira to score for the visitors.
Ramsdale, 25, wants to finish his career at the Emirates having recently signed a new £125,000-a-week contract which could run until 2027.
But where his future lies at the club is uncertain as Raya is set to fight Ramsdale for his shirt after replacing the Gunner's former No2 Matt Turner who left this summer to join Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal face rivals Manchester United this Sunday at the Emirates – and it is unknown whether Arteta will back Ramsdale or choose to replace him with newcomer Raya.
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