David Seaman: Arsenal Legend Gives Verdict on Raya, Kepa and why Gunners signed Meslier

Arsenal legend David Seaman gives his verdict on the club’s goalkeeping reshuffle, the Vinícius Júnior links, and Arsenal’s bid to become the first side since Manchester City to retain the Premier League title.

Arsenal icon David Seaman has explained the thinking behind the club’s move for Leeds United goalkeeper Ilan Meslier, telling FootItalia that the signing is designed to free up academy graduate Tommy Setford for a loan spell away from the Emirates.

With David Raya established as first choice and Kepa Arrizabalaga having deputised for most of last season, the arrival of Meslier had raised questions over where everyone in Arsenal’s goalkeeping department now stands. Seaman was clear on the logic.

“I think the plan is for Tommy to go out on loan, which will give him great experience and game time. Then Ilan will be like number three,” Seaman said. “I think the main reason we signed Meslier was to allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan.”

That still leaves the question of Kepa’s role, according to Seaman, which depends partly on the Spaniard’s own ambitions after a mixed Carabao Cup final appearance last season.

“That also depends on what Kepa’s doing — he was a number two last season, and he’s a good goalkeeper, so it’s what he wants to do here. He seems happy,” Seaman said. “There are always ifs and buts with goalkeepers, because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Asked whether Mikel Arteta would continue trusting Kepa in cup competitions despite a shaky final, Seaman backed the goalkeeper to keep his place in the pecking order. “I would have thought so, yeah. He’s too good — still a really good goalkeeper,” he said.

“We all make mistakes, some are high-profile, I know all about that. It’s what happens afterwards, how you react, that makes you a goalkeeper. If he’s happy being a number two, he’s perfect for Arsenal, because he’s a really good quality number two.”

Raya’s Spain snub, and sympathy for Ramsdale

Seaman also addressed the curious situation of David Raya, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s outstanding goalkeepers yet unable to command a starting spot for Spain behind Unai Simón.

“Some would say,” Seaman replied, when it was put to him that Raya might be the league’s best goalkeeper — before noting the harsh reality of his international standing. “People ask me, ‘Is he the best in the world?’ And you can’t claim that when he’s not even Spain’s number one yet,” he said. “His time will probably come — it’s just unfortunate he’s in the same era as another good goalkeeper. It was like the two Brazilians, Alisson and Ederson — two fantastic goalkeepers, only one spot. Tough position to play in, I suppose.”

On former Arsenal number one Aaron Ramsdale, now training back at Southampton after his stint at Newcastle United ended with Nick Pope reclaiming the gloves, Seaman was sympathetic but non-committal about what comes next.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do. I think he’s back at Southampton training, and if he’s happy with that, then so be it — it’s up to Aaron what he wants to do,” Seaman said. “He did okay [at Newcastle], but then the manager pulled Nick Pope back in at the end of the season, so that was a bit of a blow for Aaron. But he’s a quality goalkeeper, and he’ll do a job for somebody.”

On Vinícius Júnior links: “Until I see them sign the contract, it’s so hard to say”

With Arsenal continuing to be linked with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, Seaman was cautious about reading too much into the speculation, while acknowledging the club’s growing pull in the transfer market since winning the title.

“It’s all speculation. Until I actually see them cross that line and sign the contract, it’s so hard to say,” Seaman said. “Arsenal are linked with so many players now, because we’re successful — that’s what winning titles brings, players want a taste of that, they want to try and win a title. So it’s a great position to be in for the club.”

He did point to one departure that leaves a genuine gap to fill following Leandro Trossard’s exit. “That needs addressing,” Seaman said. “We’ll always be linked with a lot of players now because we’re successful, and we look like we’re going to be successful for a while. Hopefully building a dynasty — I’m a Gooner as well. That’s what Arsenal’s about, winning trophies and carrying on winning trophies, not going 22 years without a league title.”

Chasing history: back-to-back titles and the Champions League

Seaman was enthusiastic about Arsenal’s chance to do something even Arsène Wenger’s great sides never managed — retain the Premier League title.

“It’s all about creating history for the club, and the Champions League is the cherry on top of the cake — because the club’s never won it,” he said. “Going back-to-back in the league would be epic. We’ve done a couple of doubles, which were brilliant, but never back-to-back. A couple of FA Cups were, but when you’re talking Premier League, that’s different. We’re in a great position because the standard at the club is massive right now.”

Asked about the challenge of a congested start to the season, with several players returning late from the World Cup and William Saliba requiring an operation, Seaman pointed to the squad depth that carried Arsenal to the title last time out.

“The squad depth is good, no doubt about it — that’s what won us the Premier League last season, the quality of players coming in who could start any weekend, any game,” Seaman said. “It’s a great choice to have on the bench, players who can come in and make big moments, big impact substitutions. He knows what he’s doing, I think.”

On the noise around late transfer business, Seaman urged patience among the Arsenal fanbase. “It’s about staying calm, and waiting for transfers to actually be signed, not following all the speculation — otherwise you’ll drive yourself nuts, we’d end up with a squad of 300!” he said.

Seaman also used the conversation to highlight his ongoing work with the Willow Foundation, a charity close to his heart.