Arsenal have reached an agreement with Brentford for the transfer of David Raya. The goalkeeper had offers from Tottenham and Bayern Munich earlier this summer as well, but only wanted to move to Arsenal. He has agreed a contract until 2028 with the Gunners, and will soon make the move to the other side of London from Brentford.
The two clubs have agreed to a deal worth £30 million in total for the player. Spurs had earlier tried to sign him, but Brentford’s insistence over the £40 million deal deterred them from going through with the move.
David Raya to sign for Arsenal from Brentford
The Spaniard will be competing with Aaron Ramsdale for the number one spot under Mikel Arteta. Ramsdale was exceptional throughout last season and will be competing with Raya for game time, which could see both goalkeepers raise their levels.
The departure of Arsenal’s number two, Matt Turner, to Nottingham Forest after only one year with them has facilitated the transfer of Raya. The American’s departure is permanent and will be confirmed by Forest soon, once the formalities have been completed.
Brentford already have their replacement for David Raya, having signed Mark Flekken from Freiburg earlier in the transfer window. The Dutch keeper has already started under Thomas Frank and will be their first choice between the sticks for the coming season.
For Arsenal, it only reinforces the brilliant signings they have made this summer. The club has already signed Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice to bolster their squad. And now, the addition of Raya only makes them more serious title contenders in 23/24.
