Arsenal have reached an agreement with Brentford over a loan deal with a buy option for the services of David Raya.
According to a report by 90min, David Raya will join Arsenal on a season-long loan from Brentford. The Spanish shot-stopper has been keen on joining a bigger club in the ongoing transfer window, and his wish is about to come true, with the Gunners reaching an agreement regarding a loan move with a buy option.
Raya joined Brentford back in the summer of 2019, and he has gone from strength to strength since making the move. Overall, he has featured in a total of 161 matches, keeping a clean sheet in 54 of those outings.
The 27-year-old has been amongst the best goalkeepers in the Premier League over the past two seasons. Last time out, he featured in all 38 league matches and kept a clean sheet in 12 of those fixtures.
While he has been a great servant for the London club, the Spanish international has now decided to move on. The Bees wanted to extend his stay, but he was not ready to pen down an extension. And, with his contract running out in a year’s time, Brentford did not have many options to play with.
David Raya joins Arsenal on initial loan for £3m plus £27m buy option clause — as @TheAthleticFC reported 🔴⚪️🇪🇸
Brentford accepted this way as it helps Arsenal with Financial Fair Play.
Buy clause, automatically activated after few games otherwise available for #AFC in 2024. pic.twitter.com/LOG1gsiZi3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
As a result, they decided to negotiate his departure with others. The likes of Bayern Munich and Tottenham showcased interest in the 27-year-old. But the asking price of £40 million was way too much for them.
In the last few weeks, Arsenal started making moves to sign Raya. It came as a surprise to many as they already have a world-class number one in Aaron Ramsdale. But, Mikel Arteta is keen on having someone who is better with the ball at his feet, and Raya fits the bill.
As a result, they went hard and managed to strike a deal worth £30 million for his services earlier this week. But, the report states that it is not a straightforward transfer. It is a season-long loan with a buy option. According to Fabrizio Romano, the loan will be £3 million and the buy option is worth £27 million.
Also Read: Do Arsenal need that unwanted goalkeeping upgrade with David Raya?
This structure will help Arsenal with the Financial Fair Play as they have already spent over £200 million on the likes of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. And, it will also give them a fair idea of whether Raya is a good fit for the club or not. But, before the Spanish international joins them on a season-long loan he will be pen down a one-year extension with Brentford to safeguard their interest.
