Arsenal sign David Raya permanently from Brentford for £27m

Arsenal have confirmed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on a long-term contract. “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years,” he said (via AFC’s website).

The move comes after Raya impressed on loan last season, playing a pivotal role in the Gunners’ runner-up finish in the Premier League and their journey to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The 28-year-old Spaniard kept a remarkable 20 clean sheets across 41 appearances in all competitions, including 16 shut-outs in the league that earned him the Premier League Golden Glove.

Arsenal have secured Raya’s services for a reported £27 million, adding to the £3 million loan fee paid to Brentford last season.

Raya’s arrival throws Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the Emirates into question. The 26-year-old England international saw his playing time reduced after Raya’s arrival and only managed 11 appearances last season.

Arsenal are reluctant to lose Ramsdale, but they know he wants regular first-team football.

The Gunners are open to exploring options that benefit all parties involved. A loan move is not out of the picture, with Newcastle United reportedly showing interest.

However, there will be no definitive decision regarding Ramsdale’s future until after the ongoing European Championship, where he is currently part of England’s squad.

Raya becomes Arsenal’s first summer signing, and the Gunners will be looking to add reinforcement in attack, midfield and defence ahead of the new season.

Signing number two could already be on his way, with reports in Italy claiming that the North London giants are in advanced talks to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international, who starred at Euro 2024 before Italy’s elimination, is valued at £40 million. His arrival will likely force Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior out of the club and back to Serie A, where he has suitors.

Calafiori is inching closer to the Emirates and will provide cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back, possibly dislodging one in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up.