{statorium_team tid=9 text="Arsenal"} have exercised their £27m option to permanently secure {statorium_team tid=186 text="Brentford's"} {statorium_player pid=6084 text="David Raya"} following his successful loan period last season. Raya, aged 28, achieved an impressive 16 clean sheets in the Premier League, earning the Golden Glove by allowing only 16 goals throughout the season.
Despite having {statorium_player pid=3886 text="Aaron Ramsdale"} as their established goalkeeper, who recorded 14 clean sheets over all 38 matches the prior season, manager Mikel Arteta opted to bring in Raya for additional competition. Raya initially signed a new two-year contract with Brentford in August before moving to Arsenal on a loan deal.
Raya's Impact at Arsenal
"After spending a year on loan at Arsenal, I can finally call myself an Arsenal player for the future," Raya expressed. "I’m eager to see what lies ahead, while enjoying every moment now."
Arteta praised Raya’s influence, saying, "He is a significant presence in our squad, and we are delighted to continue working with him. We believe he will build upon the solid groundwork he laid last season and achieve even greater success with us."
Raya had a challenging start to the season, highlighted by two errors in a narrow 4-3 victory over {statorium_team tid=187 text="Luton"} in December. However, he missed only two league matches, being ineligible against his parent club Brentford. Arteta commended Raya’s passing abilities, which played a crucial role in the team's strategy.
Notable Achievements and International Duty
Raya solidified his position in March by saving two penalties during a shootout against Porto, leading Arsenal to the Champions League quarter-finals. This feat made him the first goalkeeper to save at least two penalties in a Champions League shootout since Petr Cech in 2012.
Raya was selected for {statorium_team tid=389 sid=321 text="Spain's"} Euro 2024 squad, although he remains behind {statorium_player pid=1157 sid=321 text="Unai Simon"} as the preferred goalkeeper. In his sole Euro 2024 match, he kept a clean sheet against {statorium_team tid=648 sid=321 text="Albania"} as Spain rotated their lineup after securing knockout stage qualification.