Arsenal have confirmed the signing of David Raya from Brentford.
The Spaniard joins on an initial loan for a £3million fee, football.london understands. Arsenal will then have the option to make the deal permanent for a fee of £27million next summer if it is viewed as agreeable for all parties.
A statement via the Gunners’ official website reads: “Spanish international goalkeeper David Raya has joined us from Brentford on a season-long loan. The 27-year-old has been an integral part of the Bees’ team in recent seasons, and played in all 38 of their Premier League matches last season.
“As part of the agreement, there is an option to make the move permanent. David will wear the number 22 shirt, and everyone at Arsenal welcomes him to the club.”
Raya has been a key driving force behind the move and has extended his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium in order to facilitate the structure of the deal. He was a target of Bayern Munich and Tottenham this summer, but has ultimately ended up at the Emirates Stadium.
The Spaniard is a long term target of Arsenal who tried to sign him in 2020 before ultimately opting for Runar Alex Runarsson. He maintains a close relationship with Gunners goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana whom he worked with at Brentford.
Raya will come in now and provide competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale. Ramsdale only extended his Arsenal contract in May, but will now face a fight for his place in between the sticks in north London.
Raya becomes Arsenal’s fourth summer signing after Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz. The Gunners spending has reached north of £200million this summer as Mikel Arteta prepares for a Premier League title race with Manchester City and Champions League football for the first time in seven years.
