Arsenal have secured the sensational signing of David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal with an option to buy next summer.
Arsenal have confirmed the capture of 27-year-old Spanish international David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal. The Gunners will pay the £3 million loan fee with buy options set at £27 million at the end of the season.
Did Arsenal need a goalkeeper at this stage of the window when it seemed they had a near-complete squad? Certainly not, but Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar saw a real market opportunity, and there are some elements of timings attached to this deal.
The David Raya signing shows seriousness and is an accurate statement of intent from Arteta towards what he expects from his squad. The Brentford star has been a steady presence under Thomas Frank since their days in the Championship.
Arsenal had initially agreed to fee closer to £30 million and buy the Spaniard outright. But now the terms have changed drastically. Brentford will allow Raya to leave on an initial loan deal with a £3 million fee which carries a buy option worth £27 million.
Raya arrives 🧤 pic.twitter.com/2UaPiDDp33
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2023
There’s a mutual understanding between the two clubs at this stage, but an element of FFP could be attached to it. Hence, Arsenal may have requested the new arrangement, although there’s no clarity on whether this clause can become obligatory in any way during the season.
With such an agreement in place, It gives Aaron Ramsdale the competition he needs and completely negates the risks attached to the deal. It potentially also keeps the door open for another player this window if Arteta feels the need to strengthen further.
We have already analysed how Ramsdale and Raya compare, but the former will remain in the No.1 spot for now. Hence, it is open season at Arsenal for goalkeepers, and the competition could intensify as the season progresses.
As for the timing part mentioned earlier, it is excellent that Arsenal has swiftly signed the player keeping the upcoming start of the season in line. Real Madrid lost Thibaut Courtois to an unfortunate ACL injury that could keep him sidelined for the entire season.
Some may have thought had Raya been available at that juncture, the Real Madrid would have surely pounced on the opportunity. Hence, it was a great deal for Arsenal to wrap it up without much fuss, as Arteta may have been crucial again, considering he sold the project to the 27-year-old Spanish international.
