Arsenal are set to announce the arrival of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya – however, it will be on a season-long loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, according to a report from journalist Kaya Kaynak on his official YouTube channel.
On YouTube, Kaynak said: “I’ve spoken to a few people at the club who say [the deal for David Raya] is very similar to Martin Odegaard, this is very similar to when they brought Odegaard in expecting to buy-him in the long-run.
“With Raya it is different in that if Odegaard wasn’t playing his best they could just drop him and play Smith Rowe or someone else, but with Raya it’s 90 minutes or bust.”
Recently, journalist Fabrizio Romano has tweeted a picture of Raya at Arsenal’s training alongside his agent – indicating that the move will happen sooner rather than later.
Will David Raya be the first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal?
Currently, it is difficult to say. Arsenal already have a top-class ‘keeper in the form of Aaron Ramsdale, but Raya might be even better than the former Sheffield United man.
While Ramsdale is arguably a more complete goalkeeper than Raya, possessing a wider skillset and a stronger command over his area, the Spaniard is the better shot-stopper of the two.
In the 2022/23 season, no ‘keeper made as many saves as Raya did for Brentford – he prevented 154 shots from finding the back of the net in the previous campaign.
As such, Raya may be best utilised in games where Arsenal are expected to come under heavy pressure – meanwhile, Ramsdale, being a sweeper keeper, will be more comfortable in games where the Gunners enjoy the lions’ share of possession.
Will Raya be an upgrade over the outgoing Matt Turner?
While Matt Turner is a fine goalkeeper who will be a good servant to Nottingham Forest, there is no denying that Raya is a massive upgrade over him.
Last season, Turner didn’t play a single minute of Premier League football. This will not be the case with Raya, who should provide Ramsdale with very stern competition for a place in the starting eleven this season.
