Fabrizio Romano has suggested what Arsenal plan to do with David Raya at the end of the season.
The Gunners signed the 28-year-old goalkeeper from Brentford on loan during the summer for the rest of the season. Raya has been outstanding this season for Arsenal, and he has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Raya has made 22 appearances in the Premier League and he has been regular in the Champions League as well. The Spanish goalkeeper turned out to be a hero this week as Arsenal defeated FC Porto on penalties.
While doubts remain over the future of Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal clearly have their plan chalked out for Raya. Writing in his Daily Briefing, the reliable journalist has suggested that the goalkeeper will join the Gunners permanently in the summer, and that is “100 percent” guaranteed.
The two clubs have a gentleman’s agreement that the Gunners would Raya at the end of his loan spell for £27m.
Romano shares Arsenal stance on David Raya
Romano wrote: “I want to tell you something about the hero of the night in the penalty shoot out against Porto; David Raya.
“He will, 100 percent be an Arsenal player next season. I told you already in October and November that Arsenal had a verbal plan with Brentford because they wanted to sign Raya last summer.
“Then the deal was changed because of Financial Fair Play rules, so Arsenal decided to proceed with a loan deal that had a buy option, and the two clubs had a gentlemen’s agreement that Arsenal would buy David Raya for £27m.”
Raya is enjoying his life at Arsenal and he has played a major role this season as the Gunners jumped to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference.
It makes sense for all parties to reach an agreement next summer, and Raya should be able to complete his move without any difficulty.
Romano adds that Ramsdale is expected to leave the club in the summer. The England goalkeeper started against Brentford in the 2-1 win last week. He has made just six starts in the Premier League this season, and it makes sense for him to move elsewhere in search of regular football.
