Arsenal have completed the signing of David Raya on a permanent deal after activating his €27 million purchase option.
Raya becomes a full-fledged player of the Gunners following a successful loan spell in the 2023/24 season.
David Raya amassed 16 clean sheets in the Premier League last season to win the Golden Glove, conceding a paltry 16 league goals all through the campaign.
Arsenal already had a good goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale, who had played the entirety of their league matches during the 2022/23 season, recording 14 clean sheets.
However, manager Mikel Arteta went for a new option in goal, with Raya being the goalie selected by the Spanish tactician.
In August 2023, David Raya penned a two-year contract extension with Brentford before joining Arsenal on a season-long loan deal.
David Raya Speaking After Penning A Permanent Move To Arsenal
Speaking after joining the North London side on a permanent deal, Spanish goalkeeper Raya said: “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming year.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.”
Raya In The 2023/24 Season
David Raya had a below-par start to the season, with his lowest point coming after making two errors in Arsenal’s last-gasp 4-3 win over Luton Town in December 2023.
However, he pulled himself together and had a great season overall manning the post of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Raya, who was lauded by Arteta for his passing out from the back, ended any serious doubt about his capability to be the number 1 at Arsenal in March 2024, when he saved two penalties as the Gunners defeated Porto via penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
David Raya became the first shot-stopper to make at least two saves in a UEFA Champions League shootout since goalkeeping great Petr Cech did it for Chelsea in the 2012 final.
The 28-year-old made 41 appearances for Arsenal, keeping 20 clean sheets in all competitions.
David Raya In Euro 2024
Raya is currently engaged in Euro 2024 action with Spain, although he is playing a second-fiddle role behind first-choice national team goalie Unai Simon.
He has featured just once at the 2024 European Championship, playing in La Roja’s final group game against Albania on June 24, 2024, which ended 0-1 in favor of Luis de la Fuente’s side.
David Raya Career Stats
David Raya, who was born on September 15, 1995, in Barcelona, Spain, made 330 club appearances thus far in his career, keeping 112 clean sheets.
Internationally, Raya has made 6 appearances for Spain, keeping 3 clean sheets.
Raya’s Market Value And Salary
His market value according to Transfermkt is €35 million and he earns about €90,000 at Arsenal based on Capology.
It is unknown thus far when his current deal with Arsenal will end.
Seven Academy Players Sign Professional Contracts With Arsenal
Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed the future of seven of the club’s academy players.
They include; Brian Okonkwo, Maldini Kacurri, Josh Nichols, Ismeal Kabia, Harrison Dudziak, Sebastian Ferdinand, and Osman Kamara.
The North London side revealed this in a lengthy statement shared on their website on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
An excerpt of the statement read: “Seven of our academy players have signed new professional contracts at the club.
“Brian Okonkwo, Maldini Kacurri, Josh Nichols, Ismeal Kabia, Sebastian Ferdinand, Harrison Dudziak, Osman Kamara.”
Arsenal To Make Needed Reinforcements To Mount Title Challenge
The Gunners are expected to make necessary reinforcements this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta aims to guide Arsenal to the Premier League title, following two seasons of being nearly men.
They ended the 2023/24 season 2nd on the Premier League table with 89 points, 2 points behind league winners Manchester City, who gathered 90 months in 38 games.
The Gunners will have to display unparalleled dominance all through the campaign if they are to secure the league crown at the end of the campaign.
Arsenal have been linked to Napoli goal-poacher Victor Osimhen alongside Bologna’s defender Riccardo Calafiori, and it will be fascinating to see who they sign when the dust of the transfer window settles.
Certainly, they will be contending for the league title alongside the traditional top 6 sides; Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Chelsea, and favorites Manchester City.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United can also spring a surprise and it will be interesting to see who takes home the Premier League trophy when the season culminates.
