Arsenal complete GK Raya transfer after loan

Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Sources told ESPN that Arsenal paid an initial £3 million ($3.8m) to take Raya on loan last season and have now triggered an option worth £27m ($34.3m) to sign him on a long-term contract.

The 28-year-old kept 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances last season and won the Premier League Golden Glove award as Arsenal finished runners-up to Manchester City.

“After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years,” Raya said.

“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.”

The deal for Raya — although widely expected — casts further doubt over the future of Aaron Ramsdale, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle but has put any talks on hold while with England at Euro 2024.

“David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “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.”

Sporting director Edu added: “David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.

“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”