Arsenal have decided to trigger the buy option included in the deal which saw David Raya join the Gunners on loan from Brentford for this season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The news hardly comes as a surprise, given that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made the Spaniard his No. 1 goalkeeper ahead of Aaron Ramsdale this term. The development prompted some strong words from Ramsdale s camp, most notably his father, but even he insisted that Raya should get their full support. However, Ramsdale is expected to stand between the posts when Arsenal face Brentford at the Community Stadium on Saturday, as Raya cannot play against his parent club.
The clause apparently says Arsenal will have to pay a fee of £27 million for Raya s services, and the 28-year-old has already accepted the full-time contract the Gunners put up for his consideration.
It remains to be seen what this means for the future of Ramsdale, whose contract runs until 2026, with an option for another year. He might even seek to leave in January, if only on loan, in order to increase his chances of being selected to represent England at the upcoming Euros.
Understand Arsenal have decided to seal David Raya deal in 2024 — it’s all guaranteed as buy option clause will be triggered for £27m.
Raya already signed potential long-term contract as player for June 2024 — all done.
Brentford accepted this structure due to FFP.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
