<div>
<p>Exclusive Interview with TM</p>
<div>
<p>
<img alt="Arsenal goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas discusses ambitions, Mikel Arteta, David Raya, Viktor Gyökeres, and more." src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/rojas-spotlight-1755594277-175176.png" title="Arsenal goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas discusses ambitions, Mikel Arteta, David Raya, Viktor Gyökeres, and more." />
</p>
</div>
<p>Arsenal may not have showcased their best performance, but they secured a commendable victory at Old Trafford on opening day. The Gunners achieved another clean sheet, with goalkeeper David Raya earning the Man of the Match title after an outstanding performance. This week, Samuel Vásquez Rivas from <em>Transfermarkt</em>, who serves as the Area Manager in Colombia, sat down for an exclusive chat with another keeper from Arsenal.</p>
<p>19-year-old Colombian goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas has been part of Arsenal's Hale End Academy since the age of 13. He joined Mikel Arteta’s first team for the pre-season tour this summer. Rojas shared insights with TM about his journey at Arsenal, his relationship with Arteta, his admiration for Raya, new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, his experiences training against Viktor Gyökeres, and his aspirations to become the future number one at the Emirates.</p>
<h2>Alexéi Rojas' Arsenal Journey & Working with Mikel Arteta</h2>
<p>“Until I turned 16, I played in the club’s youth teams and often had the chance to play at higher levels,” Rojas told Vásquez Rivas. In recent seasons, Arsenal's Hale End Academy has made significant strides, producing talents like Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have all transitioned to the first team. “This is my fourth season with Arsenal, and since last year, I’ve been fully integrated with the first team—traveling with them during pre-season, training daily, and being part of official match squads. I always join the team for both home and away matches.”</p>
<p>
<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/rojas-on-arteta-1755592486-175164.png?lm=1755592510" width="503" />
</p>
<p>Rojas has been fortunate to work closely with Arteta, and he reflected on the experience: “Arteta is very direct and demanding. He provides clear guidance on what he expects from us on the pitch. He’s approachable and genuinely understands personal issues. The key is he knows how to bring out the best in each player. He always shares important insights regarding my role as a goalkeeper. It’s a true privilege to have him as a manager.”</p>
<h2>Training with David Raya & Kepa Arrizabalaga - Aspirations of Being No.1</h2>
<p>Through his experiences with the first team, Rojas has had the unique opportunity to train alongside the primary goalkeeper, Raya. "Having a goalie of Raya’s caliber by my side is extraordinary," Rojas states. "I consider him the best in the Premier League and amongst the top in the world. I've learned a tremendous amount from him in training—his preparation, mentality, and intensity are inspiring. Having him alongside me as I develop is invaluable." Arsenal also brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, which adds further experience to the squad. “Kepa is a genuinely nice person and brings significant pedigree to the team,” adds Rojas.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/rojas-on-raya-1755593261-175169.png?lm=1755593273" width="503" />
</p>
<p>“Both he and Raya have rich backgrounds and unique experiences in the game. We have a very close-knit group, supporting each other in our positions.” Despite his respect for his peers, Rojas is determined to someday claim the number one spot for himself: “Every player dreams of being the starting goalkeeper. Among my goals—apart from becoming the world’s best and representing the Colombian national team—is to start in the Premier League. While that might not happen immediately, it’s what I strive for every day.”</p>
<h2>Facing Viktor Gyökeres & Dreams of World Cup Glory</h2>
<p>Among the summer signings that have attracted the most attention is the acquisition of striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting. Rojas has had the chance to face the new striker during training and shares his perspective: “Gyökeres is a phenomenal finisher; his ability to place the ball from various distances, particularly inside the box, is remarkable. I believe he will be a significant asset for us this season.”</p>
<p>
<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/rojas-on-gyokeres-1755594225-175174.png?lm=1755594236" width="503" />
</p>
<p>With a busy summer behind them, Rojas feels the team is well-positioned. “All the new signings have strengthened our squad, and we’ve got exceptional talent in every position. I’m also grateful to have Cristhian Mosquera alongside me, especially since his family is Colombian, and we’ve formed a solid bond.” Rojas has ambitious plans for next summer’s World Cup. “With the 2026 World Cup approaching, my goal is to be part of the senior team. I feel optimistic, as I know Néstor Lorenzo is giving young players opportunities. I want to be on that World Cup roster, and I’m committed to making that happen.”</p>
</div>