Edu reacts as Arsenal secure fourth summer signing; Shirt no. revealed for ‘top quality’ new player
Arsenal sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on season-long loan. Credit - Arsenal FC
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on a season-long loan, who will provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners have reportedly paid the Bees a loan fee of £3m and have the option to buy the Spaniard at the end of the season for £27m.
Raya becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer after bringing in Declan Rice (£105m), Kai Havertz (£65m) and Jurrien Timber (£38m).
Mikel Arteta will hope these new additions will help his team close the gap with Premier League champions Manchester City.
Raya’s arrival raises questions over Ramsdale, though, who has been Arsenal’s first-choice shot-stopper since 2021.
Raya’s made the most saves of any keeper in the Premier League last season, so if Ramsdale’s form dips, he may force his way into the Gunner’s starting XI.
Arteta may alternatively opt to use the Spaniard in cup and European fixtures, as he did with Matt Turner in 2022/23.
Raya played all of Brentford’s Premier League games last term, conceding just 46 goals and keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets in the process
Edu: Raya is a ‘top quality goalkeeper’
As per Arsenal’s official website, Raya has joined the Gunners on a season-long loan, with the option to make the deal permanent. The goalkeeper will wear the number 22 shirt, which was last worn by Pablo Mari.
Sporting Director Edu has given his reaction to the ‘top quality’ signing.
“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.”
Another added bonus of the deal for Arsenal is that Raya is classed as a home-grown player.
He came to England as a 16-year-old after signing for Blackburn Rovers.
A short-term loan to Southport in the National League, promotion to the Championship with Rovers and 108 senior appearances later, saw Raya leave the Lancashire club for Brentford in July 2019.
The 27-year-old made 161 appearances overall for the Bees. Under Thomas Frank, he played a key role in helping the London club gain promotion from the Championship.
Raya is now set for the next step in his career and will hope to become a key player for Arsenal over the next few months.
READ MORE: Arsenal in stunning hijack of Euro giant’s move, with Man City ace back on Arteta radar
