Arsenal Sign Brentford Goalkeeper David Raya On Initial £3m Loan

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has joined Arsenal on an initial loan deal until the end of the season. Arsenal have paid Brentford a loan fee of £3 million.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has joined Arsenal on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.

Arsenal have paid Brentford a loan fee of £3 million for 27-year-old Raya, who will compete with Aaron Ramsdale for a starting spot in Mikel Arteta's team.

The deal includes an option for Arsenal to sign Raya on a permanent basis next summer for a pre-agreed transfer fee of £27m.

Arsenal sporting director Edu said in a club statement: "We welcome David to us on a season-long loan from Brentford.

"David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League.

"With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions."

Making it official ✍️ pic.twitter.com/P83uDQU6V4

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2023

Raya later added in his first official interview with Arsenal.com: "I'm over the moon to be able to take this challenge in my career and make the step up.

"I'm really excited to get going and see how the season ends up. I spoke to the boss and he sent me the values of what Arsenal are about. The way that the club is going, it's growing even more so it is a beautiful challenge to take and I couldn't say no."

Raya - who has been capped four times by Spain at senior international level - was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season. He made 154 saves - more than any other EPL stopper - and kept 12 clean sheets in 38 games.

He has since been replaced by Dutch keeper Mark Flekken at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Spain goalkeeper David Raya has joined Arsenal on an initial loan deal from Arsenal :: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Gerard Franco