‘Very shortly’ – Matt Le Tissier expects Arsenal to agree new contract soon
Arsenal continued their fine start to the 2025-26 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League as they eye up finally claiming silverware.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to restore Martin Odegaard to the line-up against Olympiacos paid off as he beautifully set up Bukayo Saka’s goal in the dying moments of the tie.
Brought back in as well, Gabriel Martinelli put himself into contention to start against West Ham on 4 October as he netted the opening goal to send the Emirates wild.
Yet, the display of one Gunner caught the eye of Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier who exclusively told Football Insider his post-match perspectives from the enticing midweek action.
Matt Le Tissier expecting new Arsenal contract for David Raya
David Raya produced a wondrous save against Olympiacos to help Arsenal on their way to another set of three points in Europe’s elite competition.
The Spaniard has been one of Arteta‘s go-to stars and last night (1 October) demonstrated why he was brought to the club in the first place.
Having won back-to-back Golden Gloves in the Premier League, Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners have to consider giving him a new deal considering he will be out of contract at the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
He said: “At 30-years of age, David Raya’s got at least six or seven years ahead of him as a top goalkeeper.
“What a signing and I’m sure you’ll see a new contract for him very shortly.”
Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale has paid off
Yet, the ex-Brentford keeper’s rise only happened when Arteta took the bold step to drop previously thought of long-term shot stopper Aaron Ramsdale.
Near the start of the 2023-24 season, the Englishman lost his starting spot due to an evident weakness with the ball at his feet.
This stifled the way Spanish manager wanted to play out from the back, leading to the rapid rise of Raya who certainly did not let down his boss.
At the time, the decision was controversial but ultimately paid off with the Gunners’ rearguard revolutionised via defensive solidity and high-tech distribution.
Speaking on the impactful, yet initially concerning change, Le Tissier added: “I’ve got to say, when Aaron Ramsdale was binned for David Raya my eyebrows were raised along with a lot of other people.
“But, credit where credits due, Mikel Arteta got that decision absolutely spot on.”