David Raya: Arsenal star makes transfer admission as dream destination revealed

Allow Exco Player contentThis content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.

Your weekly briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

David Raya has revealed he “would love” to play for a La Liga club before he retires.

The Arsenal No1 has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world in recent seasons.

He is firmly in the running for the Yashin Trophy, having made the ten-goalkeeper shortlist for the award that will be handed out at next week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Raya has entered the final two years of his contract in north London, though he did receive a salary increase on that deal last year.

The 31-year-old grew up as a Real Madrid supporter and in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, he was asked whether he wants to return to his home country in the future.

Top stopper: David RayaPA”I would love to try out La Liga. For now, I’m very happy here [at Arsenal], but I would certainly like to experience the Spanish league.

“I think it’s a very competitive league. Perhaps, in the future, I could play for a Spanish club. I’m Spanish and I’d love to play there, that’s for sure.”

Raya was named in the team of the season for both the Premier League and Champions League last season.

The Spaniard has also won the Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons and he is the favourite to make it four in a row come May.

Raya is now a World Cup winner, too, though he was an unused substitute behind Unai Simon throughout the tournament.

“I believe I’ve had a perfect year,” he said.

“Perhaps the only thing missing was playing in the World Cup. Every year since I arrived at Arsenal, I’ve continued to improve and hopefully that will keep happening.

“But I truly believe this year, by winning the Premier League and playing a decisive role in the league, the Champions League, and the Community Shield, it has been my best season as a professional, being impactful and lifting trophies.”