Incoming Arsenal signing David Raya will be unable to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with the deal still not announced.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: David Raya #1 of Brentford FC warms up prior to a Premier League Summer Series match between Brentford FC and Fulham FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 23, 2023. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: David Raya #1 of Brentford FC warms up prior to a Premier League Summer Series match between Brentford FC and Fulham FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 23, 2023. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

After selling Matt Turner to their opening weekend opponents Nottingham Forest, Arsenal were keen to add David Raya to their squad in time for Saturday’s match.

That meant the Gunners needed to register the signing by midday on Friday, to make him eligible for the squad under the Premier League rules.

At the time of writing on Saturday morning, the deal still hasn’t been officially confirmed by Arsenal. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the club didn’t get it done in time, as there’s often a delay between the completion of the deal and the announcement.

Unfortunately, Michael Bridge tells Sky Sports News that early indications suggest Arsenal were unable to register Raya in time for the match.

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BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: David Raya of Brentford in action during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester City at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: David Raya of Brentford in action during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester City at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

As a result, Arsenal will need to call up another goalkeeper to make the bench against Forest. Karl Hein is the obvious choice, with the Estonia international joining the squad for the Community Shield last weekend.

Arthur Okonkwo and Runar Alex Runarsson are also available as alternative options, but they seem to be more on the fringes amid speculation around potential transfers.

There’s little doubt Raya will make the move to Arsenal eventually. His camp have been sharing pictures at London Colney and the Emirates Stadium, as has his agent.

But Arsenal may well wait to announce the deal now, so it isn’t overshadowed by Saturday’s game.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: David Raya of Brentford looks on during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Brentford Community Stadium on April 29, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: David Raya of Brentford looks on during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Brentford Community Stadium on April 29, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Arsenal are next in action against Crystal Palace on Monday, August 21st at 20:00 BST, so that will be Raya’s next opportunity to make an Arsenal squad for the first time.

That game is at Selhurst Park, and Arsenal’s next fixture at the Emirates Stadium is against Fulham on Saturday, August 26th at 15:00 BST.

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