David Raya’s move to Arsenal is set to become permanent, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his X account, Romano said that the Gunners have activated their option to sign the Spanish international for £27m:
🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal have now formally activated the buy option for David Raya from Brentford.
He’s Arsenal player on permanent deal for £27m as planned; it was already decided and now completed.
Formal statement to follow but all done for Raya as key part of #AFC project. pic.twitter.com/v6adwjRQhT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2024
Raya initially joined on a season-long loan from Brentford, with a £3m fee being paid. The main reason for the keeper making the switch on a temporary basis was due to concerns over the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Now we are in a new accounting period, it means the Gunners can spend the amount necessary to snap up the no.1 permanently.
Another keeper could leave Arsenal
There are doubts over the future of Raya’s understudy Aaron Ramsdale. The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy about losing his starting spot and he is keen on leaving the Emirates.
Several teams, including Chelsea and Newcastle, have been linked with Ramsdale but, so far, no formal bids have been made for the shot-stopper this summer.
A new No.2 could be brought in
If Ramsdale does depart, it is believed that the Gunners will look to bring in a new goalkeeper. Reports have linked the club with Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin but the Ukrainian international is unlikely to be satisfied with being a backup option.
A likely alternative, who has been linked with a switch to the London club recently, is Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow. LondonWorld reporter Chris Wheatley confirmed last month that the Dutchman is the club’s “main priority” to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s options in goal.