According to Italian trade specialist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has decided to permanently sign Brentford custodian David Raya in 2024.
The Spain international signed a season-long loan agreement with the Gunners in the summer, but the contract also included a £27 million option to make the transfer permanent.
Before his loan agreement expires in June of next year, Raya has already inked a possible long-term contract with Arsenal.
Due to Financial Fair Play regulations, the North Londoners were unable to recruit the Spaniard on a permanent basis last summer after spending over £200 million on the acquisitions of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice.
Raya has established himself as Arsenal’s first choice goaltender, but on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford, Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal.
The rules and regulations prevent Raya from playing against his parent club in the Premier League, although he is anticipated to play again later.
This season, the Spaniard has allowed nine goals in 12 appearances for the Gunners despite occasionally looking unsteady. His England international rival has given up eight goals in seven games across all competitions for Arsenal.
In order to increase his chances of qualifying for the European Championships next summer, the 28-year-old will be driven to establish himself as his country’s first choice, and he is aware that he must continue to play well at the club level.
In an attempt to regain his position as Arsenal’s top player, Ramsdale will keep pressuring Raya, and the match on Saturday may present him with a chance to do so.
It remains to be seen if he can take advantage of this unique opportunity, but an impressive showing from the England international would be required to convince Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, to keep him in the starting lineup moving forward.