Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on an initial loan, with an option to make the move permanent next summer. The agreement sees the Gunners pay a £3m loan fee, with a further £27m option to buy Raya outright in 2024. Brentford have also secured a contract extension with the 27-year-old in case Arsenal opt not to trigger the purchase clause.
The Spanish shot-stopper is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, and will provide competition for first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has long admired Raya, and goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana is a key factor in the move, having previously worked with him at Brentford. Raya himself has praised Cana’s influence, saying in 2021: “He helped me loads... he never lets you go down a level.”
Arsenal must register Raya by midday on Friday if he is to be eligible for their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The loan structure allows the club to spread costs and free up funds for other signings this summer.
The deal follows the departure of backup goalkeeper Matt Turner, who joined Nottingham Forest for £10m. Sporting director Edu thanked Turner for his contribution, saying: “Matt is an international goalkeeper... at a stage of his career when he needs to be playing regularly. He is leaving with our best wishes.” Turner himself described the move as feeling “right for my family”.
