As a £27 million decision approaches, Mikel Arteta declines to confirm Arsenal’s stance on David Raya’s transfer.
Speaking about David Raya’s future at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has also given an update on Jurrien Timber’s recuperation from an injury.
Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm David Raya will become a permanent signing for Arsenal (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Whether or not Arsenal intends to sign goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent basis has not been confirmed by Mikel Arteta.
Earlier in the season, Raya (28), who replaced Aaron Ramsdale as the starting ‘keeper, established himself as the Gunners’ first choice. In Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Tottenham last Sunday, the Brentford loanee’s run of six straight clean sheets away from home came to an end. However, he did commit his first howler of the season to allow Spurs a way back into the match.
Although Raya has already won the Premier League Golden Glove for this season, Arteta maintains that the Gunners are “really happy” with him. However, when asked on Friday if they intend to sign him permanently, his response was evasive. “We’ll talk about those things after the season. The manager of Arsenal answered, “We will assess our current situation.
“It goes without saying that we are extremely pleased with David and everything he has contributed to the team and the club. However, we at the club make those decisions together, so we’ll see.”
With only 12 months remaining on his Brentford contract, Raya, 28, can only be purchased by the Gunners for £27 million. The Gunners signed Raya in August of last year for a £3 million loan fee. Most people predict that Arsenal will exercise its option to extend Raya’s stay at the Emirates Stadium indefinitely.
When Raya joined the Gunners in August of last year, he said, “I spoke to the boss and he sent me the values of what Arsenal are about.””Given the direction the club is taking and how quickly it is expanding, accepting this challenge was a wonderful option for me.
“I’ve seen Arsenal a lot for a lot of years and since (Arteta) came he’s made a massive difference to the style of play and to the club.”The main reason I fit in with the team is that they play out of the back, which requires confidence and possession-taking from the opposing team. I’ll do everything in my power to assist, and we’ll see what transpires.”
