Arsenal sign Spain goalkeeper David Raya on permanent deal

Raya signs for Arsenal on a a permananet basis

Spain goalkeeper David Raya has completed a permanent move to Arsenal from Brentford.

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan with the Gunners, making 41 appearances in all competitions, with 16 clean sheets in the Premier League seeing him win the Golden Glove.

The deal is worth a reported £27million, which Arsenal confirmed was "subject to the completion of regulatory processes" as manager Mikel Arteta continued his preparations ahead of the new campaign.

"After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I'm an Arsenal player for the coming years," said Raya, who is currently away on international duty with Spain at Euro 2024, where he played in the win over Albania in their final group game.

"I am excited to see what the future holds, but always living in and enjoying the present.

"It is a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year."

Raya has established himself ahead of Aaron Ramsdale as Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper.

"David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player," Arteta said on the Arsenal website.

"He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep 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 that he will enjoy more success with us.

"We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit."

Arsenal sporting director Edu feels the addition of Raya shows the intention of the club to go one better than last season, when they finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League.

"David's signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies," Edu said.

"We know there's so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on."

In other transfer news, Germany midfielder Melanie Leupolz has left Chelsea to sign for Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old spent four years with the Blues, winning four Women's Super League titles, three Women's FA Cups and the Women's League Cup, while also reaching the Champions League final in her first season with the club.

She announced her pregnancy in March 2022 and gave birth the following October before rejoining the squad and signing a new contract.

A statement from Chelsea said: "Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Melly for the contribution she has made to our success over the last four years. We wish the best for her and her family as they begin a new chapter."

Speaking to Real Madrid's official website, Leupolz said: "It is a privilege to join such a big club, it's a really proud moment for me.

"I want to give my experience to the team. I want to bring everything to this new team with these young players, to help them to shine and bring some structure to the team, help them deal with the pressure and contribute to the success."