Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on a long-term deal.
The Gunners paid £27million for the Spain international, on top of the £3million they paid the Bees to take Raya on loan last season.
Raya told Arsenal’s website: “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I am an Arsenal player for years to come. I am excited to see what the future holds, but I am always living in the present and enjoying it.”
“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you’ve given me already throughout the last year.”
Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove in his debut campaign with Arsenal, keeping 16 clean sheets in the Premier League and 20 overall in 41 appearances.
The 28-year-old helped Arsenal finish second in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Raya, who is currently competing at Euro 2024 with Spain, has already spent four years at Brentford, where he moved from Blackburn.
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Arsenal’s best goals scored in the 2023/24 Premier League season
Arteta: ‘Raya is an important presence in the Arsenal dressing room’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta – who promoted Raya to No1 ahead of Aaron Ramsdale – said: “David showed us last season how important a player he is for us, so we are delighted that he is now officially our player.
“He has a great presence in our locker room and we are really happy to continue working with him.
“We know he will build on the strong foundation he laid last season and build on it in the years to come, and enjoy even greater success with us.
“We have a very talented group of goaltenders and I love seeing connections like the ones I see in our goaltending unit.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu added: “We are very pleased to have completed the deal to sign David from Brentford. He has had a great first season with us.”
“He is a talented international, a great professional and a valued figure at the club. We benefited from all of that last season during his loan with us.
“The signing of David is another great example of our recruitment strategy in action as we continue to build a squad that will challenge for major trophies.
“We know we still have much to accomplish and we are delighted that he will continue to play an important role in the journey we are all on.”
Ramsdale’s future set to be decided after Euros
Newcastle are among the clubs who have expressed interest in Aaron Ramsdale
With Raya’s commitment to Arsenal, it appears all options remain open regarding Ramsdale’s future.
The 26-year-old made just 11 appearances for the Gunners last season after losing his place to Raya and, while they do not want to lose Ramsdale, Arsenal would understand if he harboured a desire to play in the first team.
Any potential exit for the goalkeeper would have to suit all parties and a loan cannot be ruled out.
There has been hesitant interest in Ramsdale from some clubs, including Newcastle, but his future will likely be resolved after Euro 2024, where he is part of the England squad.
Ramsdale has two years remaining – plus the option of a further 12 months – on his contract with Arsenal.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
THE Summer transfer window 2024 in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership have brought forward the deadline to link up with other major European leagues. The deadlines were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
