Arsenal have completed their first signing of the summer transfer window after activating a permanent deal for goalkeeper David Raya following his loan spell in North London last season
David Raya says it is a “dream come true” to sign for Arsenal on a permanent basis.
Spain keeper Raya, 28, was on loan last season from Brentford and now Arsenal have agreed a permanent deal with a £30m-plus option already in place. Raya replaced fans’ favourite Aaron Ramsdale as the club’s No1 and won the supporters over by winning the Premier League Golden Glove, keeping 16 league clean sheets in 41 games across all competitions.
Gunners keeper Raya became a huge hero when he was the star of the penalty shoot-out win over Porto in the Champions League. Raya said: “After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present. It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”
Sporting director Edu said: “David had a beautiful first season with us, winning the Premier League Golden Glove. He is a talented international, a great professional and a popular figure at the club. We benefited from all of this last season during his loan with us.
“David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.
“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta added: “David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player. He is a big presence in our dressing-room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.
“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us. We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”
Ramsdale could be set to leave the club this summer after losing his status as first choice with interest from Newcastle, Chelsea and others. He has three years left on his contract.
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