Romano reveals TRUTH about Arsenal summer signing

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 24 Sep 2024 13:20 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal believe that David Raya is one of their best signings in recent memory, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Spain international spent last season on loan at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners decided to purchase him on a permanent deal in July.

Raya’s arrival for €31.9 million signalled the end of Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal career, with the Englishman joining Southampton and Bournemouth shot-stopper Neto arriving on loan as his replacement.

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However, Ramsdale’s presence has not been missed, with Raya enjoying an immensely successful start to the new campaign.

The former Brentford number one received mass acclaim for his sensational double-save against Atalanta in the Champions League, and he has established himself as arguably the best goalkeeper in England.

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What has Fabrizio Romano said?

According to Romano, Arsenal have been hugely impressed by Raya’s form since his permanent move to the club.

He told the Here We Go podcast (as per GiveMeSport): “He’s doing fantastic and Arsenal internally believe that this has been one of the best signings in recent years for them.

“It was not easy to change, to trust a different goalkeeper, also, because Ramsdale was an important goalkeeper for Arsenal, always doing very well.

“But they wanted to change the style, the approach, and they believe that signing David Raya on loan with an obligation to buy this summer was something around £27m. For a goalkeeper like Raya, Arsenal believed that his value is already over £50m or probably £60m.

“So it's been a fantastic signing for Arsenal on the pitch, but they already believe that also in terms of value, in terms of mentality, what they did with David Raya is something really, really special.”

Raya’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) remains at just €23.7m, although he is likely to receive a steady increase if he continues to perform at his current level.