Arsenal 'to sign David Raya on initial loan deal'

Arsenal have reportedly agreed terms to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.

An exit from the club has been on the cards after Raya played just 45 minutes in pre-season, with new signing Mark Flekken often utilised on their tour of the US.

Sky Sports News claims that Arsenal hope to have the loan deal confirmed before the registration window for the opening weekend of the Premier League season passes.

For Raya to be involved in the matchday squad for their league opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, he must be registered by midday on Friday.

The deal is believed to consist of a £3m loan fee, with an option to buy for £27m next summer.

Brentford have extended Raya's contract by an additional year, though, to protect his value should Arsenal not take up the option in a years' time, as Raya had just 12 months left on his current deal.

Raya will be reunited with Inaka Cana at Arsenal, the coach who he briefly spent time with at Brentford while also becoming friends off the pitch, having both grown up in the same area in Spain.

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Cana is believed to have facilitated the deal which brought Raya to Brentford in 2019, and has since brought Raya's qualities to the attention of Mikel Arteta.

Last season, Raya had more touches and completed more passes than any goalkeeper in the Premier League, so is well accustomed to Arteta's style of playing out from the back.

While Arsenal often flourished with Aaron Ramsdale in goal, his passing at times left a lot to be desired, with the mistake leading to Southampton's opening goal in their 3-3 draw at the Emirates being one example.

Arteta has spoken openly about how he wants stiff competition in all positions of the pitch, so it is likely Raya will not be brought in just to sit on the bench behind Ramsdale.

Arsenal's number two from last season Matt Turner has already departed, joining upcoming opponents Forest earlier this week, leaving a place open in the squad for Raya to fill.

Turner was used in the FA Cup and the Europa League last season, so Arteta may adopt a cup goalkeeper policy again, giving whichever keeper is not getting Premier League minutes an opportunity in the Champions League and the domestic cups.