David Raya to join Arsenal on loan with option to buy as move to be confirmed in next 48 hours
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is reportedly set to join Arsenal on loan, with an option to buy, according to talkSPORT. This move has been a long-term target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Initially, it was believed that Raya would join Arsenal in a £30m deal, but now it seems he will join on loan first and then sign a permanent deal if all parties agree at the end of the season. Raya will be Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, alongside Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Once at Arsenal, Raya will compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the position of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Raya, 27, has been with Brentford since 2019 and has made 161 competitive appearances for them, including 62 in the Premier League. Last season, he played in all 38 of Brentford’s top-flight matches, helping them secure a ninth-place finish.
The arrival of Raya has raised questions about Ramsdale’s future at Arsenal. However, Arsenal legend David Seaman believes that signing Raya will be beneficial for Ramsdale. Seaman draws a comparison to when Arsenal signed Richard Wright while Seaman was the number one goalkeeper. Seaman explains that the competition pushed him to become a better goalkeeper, and he believes the same will happen with Ramsdale. Seaman is confident that Ramsdale will rise to the challenge and demonstrate his abilities, ultimately improving as a goalkeeper.
In conclusion, the loan signing of David Raya by Arsenal is expected to strengthen their goalkeeping options and provide healthy competition for Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal have completed a deal to bring in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
The 24-year-old Spaniard will become Mikel Arteta’s fourth summer signing, joining Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and Runar Alex Runarsson in a new-look Gunners squad.
The move is reported to be confirmed in the next 48 hours, when Raya will complete his medical and agree personal terms.
Raya has enjoyed a successful stint in the Championship with Brentford over the past two seasons, making over 50 appearances and keeping 16 clean sheets. He was also part of the Bees side that reached the play-offs last season, where they eventually lost to Fulham in the final at Wembley.
The Spaniard had been on the radar of several Premier League sides due to his impressive performances, but it is Arsenal who have won the race to secure his signature.
Raya’s arrival in North London cast further doubt over the future of Gunners number one Bernd Leno and his deputy Emiliano Martinez. With Arsenal looking to reduce their wage bill following the signings of Willian and Davide Luiz on lucrative deals, the club may decide to cash in on one of the goalkeepers.
At 24, Raya still has his best years ahead of him and Gunners fans will be excited to see what impact the Spaniard can have at the club.