Arsenal have finally signed Brentford’s David Raya after trying to sign the keeper since 2020.

Arsenal and Brentford have confirmed a deal that will see 27-year-old David Raya move to North London on an initial loan to replace Matt Turner as Arsenal’s number two.

The Gunners will have a £27m option to buy at the end of the loan spell.

Raya arrives 🧤 pic.twitter.com/2UaPiDDp33

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2023

Sporting Director Edu 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.”

Arsenal tried hard to sign David Raya from Brentford before a deal was struck to bring in Aaron Ramsdale and then the aforementioned Turner when they could not strike a deal with the Bees.

Before Arsenal’s interest died down in 2021, Raya signed a new deal with Brentford and any moves that were then rumoured were to other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham.

Raya is said to be friends with Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana (who also recommended Alex Runarsson).

“When it comes down to the goalkeeper, he [Cana] has a big say on how we are going to implement our methodology,” Arteta said as the Gunners tried to sign Raya in 2020. “How we are going to train them and how we are going to treat the goalkeeping position in the short, medium and long term.

“Obviously at the end it will be me who makes the decision [who to buy]. But is very important that the people around me, who have on many occasions a much clearer criteria and specificity than me, that I really listen to them and try to follow what their feelings are.

“I have big faith in Inaki as I do with the rest of the staff that are here.”