Competition for Ramsdale as Arsenal announce Raya

David Raya with Mikel Arteta (L) and Edu (R) after joining Arsenal on loan in 2023 (Credit: Arsenal)

Competition for Ramsdale as Arsenal announce Raya

Faruq Ibrahim 14:51 - 15.08.2023

Premier League giants Arsenal announce the signing of David Raya from Brentford.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, creating high-level competition in their goalkeeper position. 

The 27-year-old shot-stopper joined the Bees from Blackburn in the summer of 2019 and has been integral to their promotion to the Premier League and keeping their status.  

However, despite being an important figure in the Brentford setting, Raya desired grander things and refused contract renewal advances, insisting on moving on for a fresh challenge. 

After a period of negotiations amid interest from a number of clubs, including Arsenal's cross-town rivals Tottenham, the Gunners reached an agreement on a transfer fee with Brentford and will now get their man. 

Arsenal create competition in goalkeeper position

Raya was statistically one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season, even posting better keeper-relevant numbers than the current Arsenal number one, Aaron Ramsdale. 

Despite the England international having an influential campaign in Arsenal's title charge season, the Gunners have now gone out to get a goalkeeper that can lay claim to Ramsdale's number-one spot. 

With Arsenal competing in the Champions League this season, It remains to be seen whether there will be a split between competitions between both goalkeepers. 

Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff will expect to have a selection headache ahead of them, but one thing is certain, Arsenal now have two top-class goalkeepers. 

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