Arsenal have confirmed the signing of David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford. The 28-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Gunners last season, which led to the North London side triggering his £27 million buy clause. Raya will join Arsenal on a long term contract and is expected to be Mikel Arteta’s starting goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper is currently on international duty with Spain at the 2024 UEFA Euros. He has played one game and performed admirably in it, keeping a clean sheet and making some important saves.
The Spaniard was instrumental for Arsenal in the Premier League last season, starting 32 games and achieving a league-high 16 clean sheets, which earned him the Premier League Golden Glove.
Raya expressed his delight on making his move to Arsenal, saying “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years. I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.
“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”
Arteta has immense trust in the goalkeeper, appreciating his shot stopping ability and his composure in possession. He added: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player. He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.
“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us. We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”
Having Raya continue his strong performances from last season to the upcoming season will be crucial as the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title for the third consecutive season.
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