Arsenal have continued their summer spending spree by bringing in David Raya on loan from Brentford.
The Spanish goalkeeper is the Gunners’ fourth major acquisition following the arrivals of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
Raya, 27, has joined on an initial loan from West London but there is an option to sign him permanently included in the deal should he impress at the Emirates.
As part of the move, the former Blackburn keeper has signed a two-year extension with Brentford and the club have the option to add a further year if they wish.
This will prevent Arsenal from signing their new man for free next summer when his deal was due to end and allows the Bees to receive a fee for his services.
Raya is the replacement for Matt Turner, who recently completed a £10million move to Nottingham Forest.
Last season, Raya established himself as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers and he will challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the No1 jersey at the Emirates.
He made the most saves of any stopper in the division last season with 154 and also kept 12 clean sheets to help Brentford finish ninth in the table.
Having joined the West London outfit from Blackburn in July 2019, Raya was previously linked with a move to Arsenal’s fierce rivals Tottenham.
However, Spurs were unwilling to match the Bees’ valuation of the player and withdrew their interest, despite reportedly agreeing personal terms.
Raya has been handed the No22 shirt for last season’s Premier League runners-up and will join Arteta’s cause as Arsenal look to dethrone Manchester City.
On the deal, sporting director Edu Gaspar said: «We welcome David to us on a season-long loan from Brentford.
«David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League.
«With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions.»
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