Arsenal are facing a dilemma this summer after number one goalkeeper David Raya was selected in Spain’s provisional squad for the Olympics in Paris.
La Roja are looking to end their 32-year wait for another gold medal in football and field a strong team for the Games, which begin on July 24 – just 10 days after the final of the European Championships.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Lamine Yamal could both be included in the squad despite their likely participation in the Euros, with Spain having a history of treating the Olympics seriously.
In the Covid-delayed Games of 2021, six players were selected to play in both Tokyo and at the Euros mere weeks earlier.
Although the Olympics tournament is for players aged 23 or under, nations are allowed to select three over-age players for the squad too.
According to Spanish publication Relevo, Spain youth boss Santi Denia has identified the goalkeeper position as an area of weakness and would like to use one of his over-age slots there.
He has identified Arsenal’s 28-year-old shot-stopper Raya as the ideal choice, bringing both experience and ball-playing ability while, crucially, he is unlikely to feature heavily at the Euros.
Spain are more mindful now of looking after their players across long summers and multiple back-to-back tournaments, with Pedri having suffered a number of injuries and burnout following his efforts in 2021.
Yamal has already referenced it when asked about a possible call-up for the Olympics, saying earlier this year: ‘It’s an example of what can happen because he’s the only one I remember doing it.’
He continued: ‘It wouldn’t be wise to participate in both tournaments. I’ve always tried to avoid overloading myself and playing excessively, so it wouldn’t be logical to do both.
‘But of course, representing Spain is a dream. It depends on how the Euro Cup unfolds, but I believe the priority would be the Euro Cup.’
The situation would be different for Raya, however, who is unlikely to play much at the Euros with Unai Simon the current Spain number one.
Simon was actually one of the six players who played at both the Euros and the Olympics in the summer of 2021, with the side finishing as silver medallists behind Brazil.
Unlike Spanish clubs, who are obligated to allow their players to represent La Roja, Arsenal can veto Raya from taking part – something that seems quite likely given the timing of the Olympics.
Were Spain to reach the final again, Raya would be playing that match on August 6 and only be afforded an 11-day break before the Premier League kicks off on August 17.
With Spain also in action from June 15 at the Euros until potentially July 14 if they reach the final, Raya would receive precious little time off and miss almost the entirety of Arsenal’s pre-season.
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