Shaka Hislop says Mikel Arteta would cause ‘damage’ if Arsenal secure the transfer of Brentford goalkeeper, David Raya, this summer.

The former Premier League goalkeeper doesn’t buy the nonsense that Mikel Arteta can have ‘two number ones’ at the club, as he told ESPN.

Aaron Ramsdale faired well for Arsenal last season and he has been a key member of the squad for the past two campaigns, but he could now be replaced.

With David Raya’s contract at Brentford running down, the Bees are going to sell their number one and he is open to moving to the Emirates.

There is no doubt that both are capable of playing at the top level, as a number one, for many, many teams.

Therefore, if Raya signs, then one of them will be warming the bench and former Newcastle United and West Ham shot-stopper Hislop can’t see that working out.

“I think David Raya is an outstanding goalkeeper,” said Hislop. “But I think the same of Aaron Ramsdale. Truth be told, between the two, you have two starting goalkeepers.

“Having them both there is a disservice to one of them because I don’t believe in this ‘we have got two number ones’ – have a number one and have faith in that number one. Have a number two that will push that number one, but understands his role in that team.

“I don’t see either Ramsdale or Raya as number twos. I don’t know how Arteta is going to manage that situation. Ultimately, it damages one, if not both of those goalkeepers.”

During his time as Arsenal’s boss, he has made a number of ruthless calls, some have caused a stir, but in the end, he has been proven right.

The two big ones were Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil – at the time, it left many puzzled and questioning the Spanish coach, but not anymore.

Whilst some feel Arteta might not get this right, if he brings Raya in, perhaps he should be trusted because this could prove to be a genius move.