Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has heaped praise on summer signing Riccardo Califiori and warned his side that they must be “perfect” to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title.
Italy international Califiori has been the Gunners’ marquee signing during the off-season after an eye-catching campaign for Bologna and at Euro 2024.
The £42million defender’s arrival came after Raya himself secured a permanent move to North London after a loan move from Brentford last season.
And Spanish keeper Raya has been very impressed with what he has seen so far from his fellow arrival.
The Spaniard told Sky Sports: “First of all, he’s a great guy. He’s young, only 22, and he’s hungry. In terms of football, he’s a great player who has a great future.
“He can play left-back, he can play left centre-back. So, the first impression has been very, very good.
“He is very, very strong. He goes for the tackles. He just goes for it. He would put his head in a washing machine, if you know what I’m saying.
“But, the main thing is that he’s a great guy as well as a great player.”
“You have to be perfect to win the league, especially against Man City” 💯
David Raya on what Arsenal need to do to win the Premier League this season 🏆 pic.twitter.com/i0wGrwRhsj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 14, 2024
Raya started regularly in goal last season Arsenal ran Man City mightily close in the title race, with the league’s destiny decided on the final day of the season.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been crowned champions in the last four seasons and the stopper knows his side will have to be practically flawless again to have any chance of wrestling the crown off them.
“Our second half of last season was nearly perfect but you have to be perfect to win the league, especially against Man City. They are so good and they are so experienced in this environment,” the 28-year-old added.
“We have to learn from everything, from every mistake and from the good things that we have done as well, to carry on and improve them.
“That is what we need to do. It has been a fantastic year but we have to – and I have to – make the next one better.”
