David Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford to Arsenal has seen him sign a contract lasting until 2028, according to reports.
Arsenal finally made David Raya’s loan deal from Brentford permanent on Friday, officially announcing that the Spanish goalkeeper has joined the club on a “long-term” deal.
The Gunners didn’t reveal the exact length of the contract, but Art de Roche of The Athletic and James Benge of CBS Sports report that it lasts for four years, expiring in June 2028.
That contract length makes sense, as it brings Raya’s total planned spell at the club to five years (including his loan season), which is the standard for a new signing.
Arsenal did a similar thing when they signed William Saliba, giving him a five-year deal but using up the first year of that deal with his loan back to former club Saint-Etienne.
Raya is Arsenal’s second goalkeeper signing of the summer, having also brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard last week.
The Gunners have also renewed Karl Hein’s contract, though they may not be done with their summer business between the sticks.
As it stands, Raya, Aaron Ramsdale, and Hein would be Arsenal’s three goalkeeping options in 2024/25. Yet Ramsdale could still leave on a permanent transfer, and Hein is likely to go out on loan.
As a result, Arsenal are also looking at Espanyol’s Joan Garcia as a possible replacement for Ramsdale.