It is probably not surprising that Arsenal will sign David Raya permanently at the end of the season.
The Gunners agreed a loan deal with Brentford to bring the Spanish goalkeeper to the Emirates this summer, but after successfully negotiating a £27 million purchase option on the goalkeeper’s transfer, the London giants will soon have the opportunity to make the 28-year-old goalkeeper’s move permanent.
According to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, Mikel Arteta intends to do just that.
“If you look at Arsenal’s last deal in the summer transfer window, they bought David Ray. I say they bought David Ray because they actually brought him in as a loan player with an option to buy for £27 million,” he told GiveMeSport.
“We expect the deal to happen but the money will be spent in the summer as part of next year’s budget rather than this year’s because clubs seem to be limited by FFP at the moment.”
Ray’s signing has sparked debate among fans, including opposition fans, who believe Arteta’s treatment of Aaron Ramsdale was unfair and unnecessary.
The Englishman, signed from Sheffield United less than three years ago, played a major role in the Gunners’ return to silverware. However, after just two seasons in charge, the 25-year-old has effectively been relegated to the reserves – a role that many feel is too good.
With Ramsdale expected to leave the club at the end of the season and Raya under permanent contract, all the pressure will be on Arteta, who will be praying that his decision on the goalkeeper will not come true.
