Arsenal Strikes Deal to Acquire GK David Raya; Aaron Ramsdale Responds to Competition

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - David Raya (#1) of Brentford FC in action against the Fulham FC during a Premier League Summer Series match at Lincoln Financial Field on July 23, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo : Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Arsenal have agreed to a deal to acquire goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford, according to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The club finalized personal terms with the player last week and with Brentford this week, to whom they will pay around $38 million as a transfer fee.

The 27-year-old is the Gunners' fourth signing in this transfer window after spending $250 million for defensive midfielder Declan Rice, defender Jurriën Timber, and attacking midfielder Kai Havertz.

Arsenal has been interested in the Spaniard as early as 2020.

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner recently left Arsenal for Nottingham Forest for $12 million, possibly making Raya's acquisition a reinforcement in depth between the goalposts.

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Aaron Ramsdale responds to competition

The move comes as a surprise for some after Aaron Ramsdale established himself as the number-one goalkeeper in the squad following sensational performances in an unexpected challenge for the Premier League title last season.

However, the 25-year-old welcomes the challenge of keeping his role on the team.

"Bring it on. Nothing comes easy in football. At the same time you need to move along and adapt as well," the English goalkeeper said.

Ramsdale added that he had experienced competing for positions with other goalkeepers when he moved clubs before, and he will not think it will never happen to him.

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