David Raya, the newly signed goalkeeper for Arsenal, has expressed his admiration for Mikel Arteta’s transformative influence on the club. Speaking to the Arsenal website, Raya said that coach Mikel Arteta has transformed the club.
“I’ve observed Arsenal for many years and since Arteta arrived, he’s brought about a significant change in the club’s style of play. The team’s confidence in playing out from the back and taking possession to the opposition is primarily why I believe I fit into the team.”
Raya, a 27-year-old Spanish international, has been transferred from Brentford to Arsenal on a season-long loan. The deal, which cost Arsenal a loan fee of ã3 million ($3.82 million), includes an option for the Gunners to make the transfer permanent for an additional ã27 million.
During his tenure at Brentford, which began in 2019, Raya made over 160 appearances and was instrumental in the club’s promotion from the Championship in 2021. His impressive performances earned him two caps for Spain, including a debut in 2022 and a spot in their World Cup squad.
Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, praised Raya as a “top-quality goalkeeper” who has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League. He added that Raya’s addition would enhance the quality and depth of Arsenal’s squad, enabling them to compete at the highest level across all competitions.
Raya is set to challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the position of first-choice goalkeeper at Arsenal, following Matt Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest. His signing marks Arsenal’s fourth major acquisition of the close season, following the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Raya expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, stating, “The club’s growth makes it an attractive challenge that I couldn’t refuse.” He also revealed that he had extended his contract with Brentford by two years before making the move to Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Brentford, who finished ninth in the Premier League last season, have secured Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Bundesliga side Freiburg on a four-year contract.
