David Raya is set to join Arsenal on loan with an option to buy from Brentford. The North London club will pay £3 million loan fee with a £27 million buy option clause for next summer.
The Spanish goalkeeper will also provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale. Mikel Arteta thinks that Ramsdale experienced a drop-off in form at the end of last season.
Raya has one year left on his contract with the Bees and will now extend it before making a move to Arsenal.
Why are Arsenal signing Raya?
Mikel Arteta is keen for competition in his squad, and Ramsdale is the latest player who would have his position put under pressure should Raya be signed.
Matt Turner, who recently joined Nottingham Forest, was not seen as the same level as Ramsdale. So, Arteta decided to sign Raya this summer.
Moreover, Raya’s confidence with the ball at his feet is also crucial. Whereas Ramsdale had a dip in form last season, and some of his errors proved costly.
Competition against David Raya is exactly what is required to challenge him to reach new heights.
David Raya to join Arsenal to compete for starting position against Aaron Ramsdale
The 27-year-old goalkeeper is expected to bid farewell to staff at Brentford’s Jersey Road training ground. He will then complete his medical with Arsenal on Thursday.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were also exploring a similar deal for Raya, but the player always favored a move to Arsenal. Moreover, he will be reunited with former Brentford goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana.
The Spanish goalkeeper was a standout performer for the Bees last season. He made 154 saves and racked up 12 clean sheets, the third-highest in the Premier League.
Raya also accumulated 4.1 saves per match, which ranked him above every other goalkeeper in the Premier League. The Gunners are keen to finalise the transfer before their Premier League curtain raiser at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
