Arsenal have reportedly made a decisive decision to secure the services of goalkeeper David Raya in 2024. According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal involves triggering a buy option clause for the Brentford loanee.
Arsenal Complete the Permanent Signing of David Raya
🚨 Understand Arsenal have decided to seal David Raya deal in 2024 — it’s all guaranteed as buy option clause will be triggered for £27m.
Raya already signed potential long-term contract as #AFC player for June 2024 — all done. 🔴⚪️
Brentford accepted this structure due to FFP. pic.twitter.com/59eBNip3iK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2023
A Potential Long-Term Contract
As per the transfer insider, the Gunners have activated Raya’s buy option clause of £27 million from Brentford. He also adds that the deal was structured in such a way that it would allow Mikel Arteta’s side to acquire the shot-stopper’s services this season due to Financial Fair Play constraints. Consequently, the loan move would be made permanent in June 2024.
The Spaniard has reportedly already signed a potential long-term contract that would see him as the starting goalkeeper at the Emirates.
What Does This Mean for Arsenal?
The signing raises a few questions regarding the future of Aaron Ramsdale who recently lost his spot between the sticks to Raya. Arteta’s decision to bench the Englishman has divided opinions among fans.
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The former Sheffield United man has vowed to keep working hard to earn his place back in the starting lineup and the upcoming weekend’s game against the Bees could prove to be a vital opportunity for him. Ramsdale will be back in goal for the first time since early September as Raya will be ineligible to face his parent club, Brentford.
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David Raya’s Ambition
The signing cements the 28-year-old’s status as the Arsenal No.1 for the time being. With the European Championships just around the corner, Raya would like to get consistent game time at club level to claim his spot in goal for the national side.
His time with the Gunners has started off on the right note, but he should be wary of the looming threat that Aaron Ramsdale poses.