RAY TO GO
Arsenal complete first summer transfer as David Raya’s £27m move is made permanent with Aaron Ramsdale facing exit
See which other players remain top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist
ARSENAL have completed the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.
The Spanish keeper joined the Gunners from the Bees on loan last summer for a fee of £3m, replacing Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s No.1.
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And after an impressive debut season at the Emirates, conceding just 24 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets to win the Golden Glove in 32 Premier League outings, he joins on a long-term contract following the triggering of a £27m buy option.
Raya, 28 – who is currently with Spain at Euro 2024 – said: “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.
“It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”
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Boss Mikel Arteta said: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player.
“He is a big presence in our dressing-room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.
“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us.
“We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”
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Sporting director Edu added: “David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.
“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”
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The confirmation reinforces the idea that England international Ramsdale, 26, will likely look for a move away for regular first team football, with Newcastle and Chelsea previously reporting interest in the keeper.
He made just 11 appearances in all competitions last campaign, including six Prem starts, two of which came against Brentford with Raya ineligible to face his parent club.
Should Ramsdale get his move, Arsenal will be on the look-out for a replacement back-up shot-stopper, one of several deals the club want to get done this summer.
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An attacking forward, whether that be a No.9 or a winger, is a high priority, as well as an extra face in midfield to compete with Declan Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey and further depth at the back.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle duo Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori are all being monitored.
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