Arsenal set to make first transfer of 2024, claims Fabrizio Romano
Suraj Radia
- 23 Nov 2023 16:03 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal are set to formalise their first signing of 2024 by turning David Raya’s loan into a permanent transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners brought Raya in on loan in August with the option of making it permanent – something which was considered a formality, with the deal only structured that way in order to ease Arsenal’s concerns over financial fair play.
Arsenal will pay Brentford £27 million for Raya, having paid £3m to take the 28-year-old on loan after he seemingly became Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper this season.
Raya was initially brought in to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale and, while the England international did start Arsenal’s first four games of the season, he has made just two appearances since the start of September.
Romano confirmed that Arsenal ‘had decided to seal’ Raya’s permanent transfer in 2024, with the Spaniard penning a long-term contract starting in June next year.
The deal is unlikely to be formally announced by Arsenal until later this season but Raya is understood to have already signed his contract at the Emirates.
What does Raya signing mean for Ramsdale’s future?
The decision to sign Raya draws further uncertainty to Ramsdale’s future, with the 25-year-old having one eye on England’s squad for the European Championships next summer.
Ramsdale has reportedly been told by Arteta that he will be the cup goalkeeper for the season and Arsenal are keen to keep hold of him as part of the squad, although the shotstopper will likely be allowed to leave for the right price.
The likes of Newcastle and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Ramsdale but Arsenal’s reported asking price in excess of £40m will potentially prove a stumbling block for interested sides.
Arsenal may look to cash in on the goalkeeper in order to raise funds for other transfers but a deal may have to wait until the summer when the Gunners can also consider replacements for Ramsdale.
