Spanish press tip £30m Arsenal star for new role after performance against Bilbao, ‘it’s hard to believe’

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Several Arsenal stars stood out for the side as they registered their first win of this season’s Champions League.

The Gunners travelled to Bilbao, taking on Athletic Club in their first Champions League match in 11 years.

The home crowd’s atmosphere certainly reflected that, as their team put some early pressure on Mikel Arteta and his team.

Arsenal eventually grew into it, though, with two goals coming in the last 20 minutes to seal an important three points.

While the London side travelled to Spain, they had something of a Spanish influence of their own within the team.

Whether that was the manager, David Raya and Cristhian Mosquera in the backline or Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in midfield, there was a chance to impress for them in front of their compatriots.

Now, the Spanish press have tipped one star for a change in role following his display in Arsenal’s victory against Athletic Club.

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David Raya backed to be Spain’s number one goalkeeper after Arsenal performances

David Raya has been nothing short of exceptional since he made the switch from Brentford to Arsenal – initially on a £3 million loan before a permanent £27 million deal.

His shot-stopping ability mixed with his footwork makes him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, proven with his back-to-back Golden Glove awards for keeping the most clean sheets.

The one thing he hasn’t quite done so far is actually on the international stage.

Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent seasons has been Athletic Club’s Unai Simon; however, that could be set to change if Raya can continue to impress.

Spanish outlet Diario AS have tipped the Arsenal star to take that role, stating: “His [Raya’s] performances in north London have shown that the rumours surrounding his signing, and the alleged debate with Ramsdale, were solely a matter of the British press.

“For those who follow the London club’s daily life and see Raya every other weekend, it’s hard to believe that Arsenal’s number one won’t also be Spain’s number one at the 2026 World Cup.”

It’s a bold claim, given the competition in front of him and the trust placed in Simon over the years.

Raya will need to keep up his good form for Arsenal, with his season getting off to a good start so far, with another clean sheet in the bag.

The Spain international had to make a couple of saves, while he was important when it came to rushing out and collecting any loose balls on the counterattack.

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What David Raya has said about Unai Simon for Spain

In what was Arsenal’s first competitive fixture with Athletic Club, there was an opportunity to see how both of Spain’s international goalkeepers performed.

Both Raya and Simon stood out, though the latter failed to stop two strikes from hitting the back of the net.

Speaking before the game, the Arsenal shot-stopper revealed plenty about his relationship with his compatriot and the competition for places on the international stage.

He told the press: “We haven’t talked too much about it, but as a goalkeeper, there’s no need for me to say what I think about him. He’s an amazing goalkeeper.”

“He’s a guarantee here and in the national team,” Raya continued. “He’s incredible. It’s a pleasure to be able to share the dressing room with him in the national squad, and it’ll be a pleasure to be on the pitch with him.”

With a few months still left until the World Cup, it remains to be seen who will be the first-choice goalkeeper for Spain, but Raya is certainly making a case for it to be him.