Raya open to La Liga move and backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya says he would like to play in La Liga one day, despite being “very happy” with the English club.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the 31-year-old said: “I am very happy at Arsenal at the moment, but I would like to play in La Liga one day. It is a very competitive competition.”

Raya added: “I am Spanish and I would love to play there – that is clear to everyone.”

The goalkeeper also gave his support to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, saying the teenager deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.

“Lamine Yamal brings happiness to viewers,” said Raya. “You enjoy seeing the ball at his feet as he dribbles past three defenders and scores a wonderful goal. There are few players like him.”

He added: “Lamine deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Raya began his football development at Cornella, the Spanish club where he played before moving to England.

He joined Blackburn Rovers on a permanent basis in the summer of 2012 and progressed through the club’s various youth teams before reaching the first team.

Raya moved to English club Southport on loan in the summer of 2014. He later joined Brentford permanently for €3.4m during the summer 2019 transfer window.

The goalkeeper then joined Arsenal on loan for €3.5m before the English champions exercised their option to sign him permanently for €32m.