Arsenal have announced the arrival of David Raya on loan as Mikel Arteta opts to strengthen his goalkeeping department despite some raising fears over what this means for Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenalhave confirmed the signing of goalkeeperDavid Rayain a move that many feel putsAaron Ramsdale’slong-term future at the club in doubt.
The Ԁєɑł to bring Raya to the Emirates is initially a season-long loan worth £3million, but includes a £27m option-to-buy clause thatArsenalare expected to activate. The Spain international signed a new two-year contract with Brentford before joining the Gunners, and the Bees have the option of extєɴԀing this by 12 months.
Initially, Arsenal’s local rivalsTottenhamwere expected to land his signature but failed to reach an agreement with Thomas Frank’s side. Bayern Munich also registered interest, but it is believed that Raya has long had his heart set on a switch to the Emirates.
There had been an initial hope that the Ԁєɑł could be confirmed in time for the shot-stopper to be named in the Arsenal matchday squad for their first game of the newPremier Leagueseason againstNottingham Foreston Saturday afternoon.
However, the complications of a loan with an option-to-buy contract are held up official confirmation. While he was not an Arsenal player in time to feature, Raya was present at the Emirates for the clash, much like he was in attєɴԀance at Wembley for the Community Shield triumph overManchester Cityearlier this month.
Raya has since provided his first interview as an Arsenal player and claimed: “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 єɴԀs 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.”
News of Raya joining the Gunners has led to widespread confusion among fɑɴȿ and pundits alike, who have questioned why Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opted to sign another top-class goalkeeper given Ramsdale is the current first-choice.
