Arsenal have signed Spanish goalkeeper David Raya from fellow Premier League club Brentford on a season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent, both clubs said on Tuesday.
According to British media reports, Arsenal paid Brentford a loan fee worth three million pounds ($3.82 million) for Raya and will have the option to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent basis for 27 million pounds.
Welcome to The Arsenal, David Raya ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2023
Raya, 27, has made over 160 appearances for Brentford since joining the club in 2019, playing a key role in their promotion from the second-tier Championship in 2021.
He also has two caps for Spain, making his debut in 2022 and travelling to Qatar as part of their squad for the World Cup.
"David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League," Arsenal sporting director Edu said.
"With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions."
Raya was spotted in the stands at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for title-chasing Arsenal's season-opening 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Ramsdale has been a solid performer for Arsenal since arriving from Sheffield United in 2021.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wanted more competition for Ramsdale after selling back-up Matt Turner to Forest.
Raya will put the 25-year-old Ramsdale's hold on the Arsenal keeper's jersey under intense pressure.
Raya has 20 clean-sheets in 62 Premier League games and made 161 appearances in all competitions for Brentford.
Despite his loan move on Tuesday, the Spaniard has also extended his contract with Brentford by two years, with a club option for an additional 12 months.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "I'm sure the first question that all Brentford fans will ask is why this transfer has been structured as an initial loan with Arsenal having the option to make it permanent in the future.
"The answer to that is simply that it enables this deal to be done more rapidly between both clubs, with all parties wanting to make this a permanent transfer as soon as practically possible, whenever that might be."