David Raya: Arsenal Trigger £27M Option to Sign Goalkeeper from Brentford on Long-Term Deal - 'Dream Come True'

Arsenal have permanently secured the services of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford for £27 million. After a successful loan spell at the Emirates last season, Raya has now signed a long-term contract with The Gunners. The 28-year-old Spanish shot-stopper expressed his joy, calling it “a dream come true,” while manager Mikel Arteta commended Raya’s significant impact on the team.

David Raya's Journey to Arsenal

Raya initially joined Arsenal on a season-long loan in August of last year, quickly establishing himself as Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice over Aaron Ramsdale. His impressive performances between the posts, including 16 clean sheets, earned him the Golden Glove as Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title in two decades to Manchester City.

Reflecting on his journey, Raya told the club’s website, “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.”

Before his move to Brentford in 2019, Raya made over 100 appearances for Blackburn Rovers. He became a pivotal player for Thomas Frank's Brentford side during his four-year tenure, which led to Arteta’s interest in bringing him to Arsenal.

Raya's contributions last season were notable. In 41 appearances across all competitions, he kept 20 clean sheets and made crucial penalty saves against Porto, propelling Arsenal to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 14 years.

Arteta’s Praise and Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Unit

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Raya, saying, “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.”

Arsenal’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign kicks off against Wolves at the Emirates on August 17, and fans are eager to see Raya continue his stellar form.

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