Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal will definitely sign David Raya permanently next year.
The transfer insider has taken to YouTube with a video in which he provides information on several big transfer stories.
Several of those involve Arsenal, and arguably the biggest one at present involves a deal that is all-but done, by the sounds of it.
Arsenal signed Raya on an initial £3million loan deal from Brentford last summer, with a £27million option to buy.
This came after a very fruitful stint in West London, during which Raya became one of the Premier League’s most promising and sought-after keepers.
The Spaniard has since become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper and also made his competitive Spain debut during the November international break.
‘It’s guaranteed, it’s for sure’
Now, according to Romano, the Gunners will complete the formalities of the move. Indeed, Raya has apparently already signed a permanent contract at the Emirates Stadium.
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“About Arsenal, they will complete the first signing for 2024 and it will be David Raya,” said Romano.
“Raya had to join Arsenal on a permanent transfer, then what happened is that because of the financial fair play situation, Brentford accepted to complete a deal on loan with a buy option for David Raya.
“And so what happened is that Arsenal have this buy option to be triggered in 2024. They will trigger the buy option, the decision has been made.
“(It’ll be) £27million, from what I’m told. They already paid the part in terms of loan fee, they cover his salary for this season of course, and they will pay £27million.
“So it’s guaranteed, it’s for sure. Also important to say from my understanding that David already signed the contract to join Arsenal on a permanent transfer.
“The deal is going to happen in 2024 and David Raya will be Arsenal goalkeeper for the present and for the future.
“So the first signing for 2024 will be – formally – David Raya, no doubts on that.”
Arteta sticking to his guns regarding Raya at Arsenal – TBR View
The Evening Standard recently reported that Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Raya came from a conscious shift in how he wants his goalkeeper to play.
Although Arteta’s decision has appeared ruthless, that’s pretty much par for the course with him.
For instance, he froze out the likes of Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
And Bernd Leno, who had also done well, was dethroned by Ramsdale and eventually he left.
Romano previously said Arteta felt that Raya was an “incredible opportunity” and the “perfect solution” in between the sticks. It looks as though the Arsenal boss is sticking to his guns.