Arsenal finally announce David Raya signing on initial loan transfer

David Raya has signed for Arsenal on an initial loan transfer from Brentford.

The Gunners have agreed to pay £3million for the Spanish goalkeeper so he can play for them during the 2023-24 campaign, with the option of signing him permanently for £27m next summer.

The two clubs were locked in talks for several days over Raya’s future after Brentford put up a £40m price tag as interest first emerged from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.

But the 27-year-old heads to the red side of north London to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal following the sale of Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest for an initial £7m.

Arsenal have brought in Raya to provide competition for current No1 Aaron Ramsdale, who signed a new long-term contract in May.

The club view the goalkeeper position the same as any other in their squad, meaning they want to have two high-quality players competing for the spot.

The Gunners are also aware they could have as many as 64 games this season, if they go deep in every competition, and believe signing Raya makes them prepared for that.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Spaniard and made bids for him in 2020, when Emi Martinez was sold to Aston Villa.

The Gunners’ goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana, worked with Raya at Brentford and is a big fan of his.

Arsenal are fans of his ability on the ball with the keeper a good distributor at playing out from the back under pressure.