Mikel Arteta responds to David Raya’s desire to play in La Liga

Mikel Arteta has shut down suggestions that David Raya will be allowed to leave Arsenal in order to move to La Liga.

Raya joined Arsenal on an initial loan deal from Brentford in August 2023 before his move was made permanent for £27 million the following year.

The 31-year-old was an integral part in Arsenal’s success last season in which the team won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final where they were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain.

But speaking this week, Raya, whose contract with Arsenal expires in 2028, made it clear that he aims to return to Spain before his career ends.

‘I would love to play in La Liga one day,’ Raya told Marca.

‘Right now, I’m very happy at Arsenal, but it’s true that I’d love to play in LaLiga one day. It’s a very competitive league.

‘I’m Spanish and I’d love to play in Spain, that’s obvious.’

But when asked about Raya’s comments, Arteta replied: ‘I think David has to play in Spain at some point… on the beach, with his friends in the summer.

‘But for the next few years he needs to play here for Arsenal.’

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