David Raya names the Arsenal duo who have been 'magnificent' on tour and his Kepa competition

David Raya believes 15-year-old duo Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have been "magnificent" for Arsenal on tour so far this summer. Naming a 30-man squad for their pre-season games in Singapore and Hong Kong, Mikel Arteta called up the teenagers after catching the eye back home.

Dowman has trained regularly with the first team in recent months and he made his unofficial debut for the senior side on Wednesday night in the 1-0 win over AC Milan. Centre-back Salmon was also introduced at the same time as Dowman, with the pair going on to wow against some very experienced players.

Both will likely get more minutes to their name on Sunday against Newcastle United going on how they performed against Milan. When asked which players have impressed him on tour so far, Raya was quick to namecheck both Dowman and Salmon after their sparkling displays.

"The young lads. Marli and Max, they are just 15 years old and they look like they have been with us for so many years," revealed Raya. "It is such a young age to play with Arsenal and to come on tour with the first team is just incredible. Those two have been magnificent."

Raya now has competition for his place in goal from new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The addition of the 30-year-old from Chelsea should now see the current Arsenal No.1's levels rise as a result.

"It would help anyone," explained Raya on his new competition. "Competing in every single position, that raises your level. I will raise my level and he will raise his level.

"That will only benefit the team. That’s the main thing. Kknowing that we have two top players in each position – that’s the way the boss wants to work and that’s how it is."

So does Kepa's status as the world's most expensive goalkeeper after previously joining Chelsea for £71.6million put more pressure on Raya knowing that his new teammate has that tag?

"No, I think it is just a healthy relationship," he admitted. "We are friends. We have been together in the national team and now we are here so we have that healthy relationship and, let’s say, ‘healthy partnership’ in goal.

"We know how tough it is to be a goalkeeper. There’s only one goalkeeper playing and we will see what happens. That is the job of the boss and he will decide."

Raya has admitted that Arteta has said nothing to him about his place as No.1 goalkeeper since Kepa walked in through the door.

"Nothing," he replied when asked if he had been given assurances from the boss about keeping his place as No.1. "He just came as a new teammate and to add another goalie to the group. The manager hasn’t said anything so we will see what happens."

Another incoming Spaniard this summer is defender Cristhian Mosquera following his move from Valencia. The youngster only joined the club on Thursday but Raya has already delivered a glowing endorsement.

"He is a young lad, quite experienced for a 21-year-old," revealed Raya. "So he finds very good players on the ball, he is very good defensively especially with the balls in the air. He has a lot to develop obviously because he is a young player as well but he will be a top player for us."

He added: "He is doing all right. He is integrating with the group. He has not been here for long so it will take him time.

"He needs to learn English as well but the Spanish group that we have will help him as much as possible and I know the whole group will help him as well."

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