Arsenal signed goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on a season-long loan, with the Spain international set to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale.
There is an option to make the move permanent, Arsenal said, without disclosing any financial details. British media reported Arsenal was paying a loan fee of 3 million pounds ($3.8 million) for Raya and had the option to buy him for 27 million pounds ($34.35 million).
“Spanish international goalkeeper David Raya has joined us from Brentford on a season-long loan,” Arsenal confirmed on their official website, adding: “The 27-year-old has been an integral part of the Bees’ team in recent seasons, and played in all 38 of their Premier League matches last season.
“Born in Barcelona, David came to England at 16 years old when he signed for Blackburn Rovers as an academy player. A short-term loan to Southport in the National League, promotion to the Championship with Rovers, and 108 senior appearances later saw David depart Lancashire for West London in July 2019.”
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Speaking on being unveiled, Raya said: “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.
“I’ve seen Arsenal a lot for a lot of years and since [Mikel] came he’s made a massive difference to the style of play and to the club. The way the team plays out of the back, being confident, and taking possession of the other team is the main thing why I fit into the team. I’m going to try and help as much as possible and we’ll see what happens.”
Raya played in all 38 of Brentford’s Premier League matches last season, and is regarded as one of the leading ball-playing goalkeepers in English soccer.