Arsenal announced on Thursday the permanent signing of Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, who was on loan from Brentford last season. The club did not reveal the length of the contract signed, but said it was for a long period.
“After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I am an Arsenal player for the next few years. I am excited to see what the future holds, but always living and enjoying the present. It is a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you (the fans) have given me over the last year,” said David Raya after the transfer was completed.
The 28-year-old played 41 games last season and conceded 31 goals. The number 22 overcame competition from Englishman Aaron Ramsdale and became the starter in the position.
In total, he went 20 games without exceeding his target, 16 of which were in the English Championship, which earned him the competition’s “Golden Glove” award.
David Raya, here to stay 👊
It’s official: last season’s Golden Glove winner has signed a permanent deal at The Arsenal ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2024
Brazilian Edu Gaspar, the Gunners’ sporting director, praised the athlete and said what it feels like to sign him permanently.
“We are delighted to have completed the deal to sign David from Brentford. He has had a great first season with us, winning the Premier League Golden Glove. He is a talented player, a great professional and a popular figure at the club. We benefited from all of this last season during his loan with us,” he said.
In addition to the director, coach Mikel Arteta also spoke about the signing and highlighted the importance of David Raya in the Arsenal dressing room.
“David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted that he is now officially our player. He is a great presence in our dressing room and we are delighted to continue working with him,” he said.
“We know he will take the solid foundations he laid last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will be even more successful with us. We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love seeing connections like the one I see with our goalkeepers.”
Now, David Raya is with the Spanish national team in the Euro Cup. The national team faces Germany this Friday, at 1 pm (Brasília time), at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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