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<p>Exclusive Interview with TM</p>
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<img alt="Arsenal goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas discusses with Mikel Arteta, his ambitions to be the future no.1, and more" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/rojas-spotlight-1755594277-175176.png" title="Arsenal goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas discusses with Mikel Arteta, his ambitions to be the future no.1, and more">
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<p>Arsenal may not have exhibited their best form on the opening day of the season, but they managed to secure a significant victory away at Old Trafford – no easy feat. The Gunners achieved yet another clean sheet, with goalkeeper David Raya earning man of the match honors after a stellar performance. This week, <em>Transfermarkt's</em> Samuel Vásquez Rivas, TM's Area Manager in Colombia, sat down for an exclusive interview with another member of the Arsenal goalkeeping squad.</p>
<p>19-year-old Colombian goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas has been at Arsenal's Hale End Academy since the age of 13 and joined Mikel Arteta’s squad during their pre-season tour this summer. He shared insights with TM about his journey at Arsenal, the role of manager Arteta, the skills of Raya, new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, training with Viktor Gyökeres, and his ambitions to become the future no.1.</p>
<h2>Alexéi Rojas: His Journey at Arsenal & Working with Mikel Arteta</h2>
<p>"Until I was 16, I consistently played at higher levels in the club's youth teams," Rojas told Vásquez Rivas. Arsenal has invested considerably in its Hale End Academy in recent years, producing talents like Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. "Now in my fourth season with the club, I've been part of the first team, travelling with them during pre-season, training daily, and being included in official match squads. I’m always with the team, whether at home or away."</p>
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<p>This involvement has allowed Rojas to work closely with Arteta, and he describes the experience: "Arteta is very straightforward and demanding. He provides clarity about his expectations on the pitch and how he wants us to perform. He is approachable and understands our personal concerns. Most importantly, he can extract the best out of each player. He offers me valuable feedback on my goalkeeping. It’s a privilege to have him as a manager."</p>
<h2>Working with David Raya & Kepa Arrizabalaga - Aspirations for No.1</h2>
<p>Through his time with the first team, Rojas has also had the opportunity to learn from no.1 goalkeeper Raya. "Having a keeper like Raya close by is exceptional," Rojas noted. "I regard him as the best in the Premier League and among the finest in the world. His training methods, mindset, and intensity are impressive, and I am grateful to have him as a mentor." Additionally, Rojas remarked on the arrival of Arrizabalaga from Chelsea: “Kepa is a fantastic person and adds a lot of experience to the team.”</p>
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<p>"Both him and Raya have diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a strong camaraderie in our position. Despite my admiration for them, I aspire to be Arsenal's no.1 goalkeeper one day. Achieving that, along with being the best goalkeeper in the world and representing the Colombian national team, is a crucial goal for me. While it may take time, I am dedicated to striving toward that aim every day."</p>
<h2>Facing Viktor Gyökeres & Dreaming of the World Cup</h2>
<p>This summer’s most talked-about signing for Arsenal was striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting, and Rojas had the chance to train alongside him. He shared his experience: “Gyökeres is an excellent finisher; he has a remarkable ability to place the ball from various distances, especially inside the box. His goal-scoring ability will be invaluable for us this season."</p>
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<p>Rojas noted how the busy summer has positioned the team well: "All the new signings have strengthened our group, and we have exceptional players in every position. I'm particularly pleased to have Cristhian Mosquera by my side, as we’ve developed a strong bond." Looking ahead to the future, Rojas has bold intentions of competing at the 2026 World Cup. "I aspire to be part of the senior national team for the tournament. With Néstor Lorenzo providing opportunities for younger players, I believe I have a good chance. Making it to the 2026 World Cup is a significant goal for me, and I am determined to achieve it.”</p>
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