Arsenal confirm 2nd summer signing

Arsenal has officially announced the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, marking the club’s second acquisition of the summer transfer window.

The £27 million deal activates the purchase option in Raya’s loan agreement, solidifying his place in the Arsenal squad.

On making the deal permanent, Raya told Arsenal.com, “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years. I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.

“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”

Sporting Director Edu said: “We are so happy to have completed the deal to sign David from Brentford.

“He had a beautiful first season with us, winning the Premier League Golden Glove. He is a talented international, a great professional and a popular figure at the club. We benefited from all of this last season during his loan with us.

“David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies. We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player. He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.

“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us. We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”

The decision to make Raya’s move permanent was reportedly made long ago, with the timing aligned with Brentford’s financial year-end on June 30th. This allows both clubs to include the transfer in their new financial accounts, a move that benefits both parties.

For Arsenal, delaying the purchase until the new financial year helps them navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, which they only narrowly adhered to in the 2023/24 season. Brentford, on the other hand, didn’t require the sale last year and benefits from the revenue in the current financial period.

Despite the financial intricacies surrounding the deal, Raya’s on-field performance cemented his position as a valuable asset for Arsenal. The goalkeeper achieved 20 clean sheets and earned the prestigious Premier League Golden Glove award during his loan spell, significantly contributing to Arsenal’s title challenge.

This permanent signing follows Arsenal’s recent acquisition of 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard, indicating the club’s commitment to strengthening their goalkeeping department for future seasons. As Arsenal fans eagerly anticipate the new season, the confirmed signing of David Raya adds a layer of excitement and optimism for the challenges ahead.