Premier League club Arsenal have technically made their first signing of the transfer window after completing the conversion of the loan of goalkeeper David Raya to a permanent deal on Thursday.
The Gunners signed the Spanish goalkeeper from Brentford on loan last season, and he won the Premier League Golden Glove Award at the end of the season, helping Arsenal finish second after an intriguing title race.
The Spaniard had his lows, especially during his first weeks with the Gunners, but the 28-year-old kept 16 Premier League clean sheets to win the Golden Glove while conceding just 16 league goals all through the campaign.
The goalkeeper, who is with Spain with Euros, has played one game for the team and kept a clean sheet in the team’s last group-stage fixture. He spoke of his excitement to see what the future holds while living in and enjoying the present.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the goalkeeper’s presence is huge and can not be understated.
“He is a big presence in our dressing room, and we are pleased to continue working with him. We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and he will enjoy more success with us.” Arteta said.
Now that Arsenal have activated his £27m permanent buy option from Brentford after his loan deal, he is expected to push Aaron Ramsdale out of the Arsenal squad.
Nevertheless, he’s the second choice to Unai Simon on the national team, and his only Euros appearance came in the 1-0 victory over Albania in the final group stage game.
Spain will face host Germany in their quarter-final fixture in Stuttgart on Friday for a place and a chance to move to the semifinals of the Euro 2024.