Arsenal have imminent transfer deal lined up as hint dropped in announcement

Arsenal have all but confirmed David Raya’s permanent arrival after including the on-loan goalkeeper in their new kit launch. The Spaniard, who has been on loan with the Gunners from Brentford, appeared in images to promote the club’s fresh attire for the 2024-25 season.

Raya has enjoyed an excellent season with Arsenal, displacing Aaron Ramsdale in September before going on to make 31 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old was widely expected to make his move permanent but his appearance in the kit launch all but confirms the move.

Arsenal negotiated a £27m purchase clause into Raya’s initial £3m loan agreement with Brentford. The North Londoners will likely now pay that fee to the Bees, who signed Mark Flekken to replace Raya.

The shot-stopper’s arrival last summer came during a big-spending summer for Arsenal. Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were acquired for a combined £200m. A similar outlay this year could depend on fees Arsenal receive in outgoing deals.

David Raya launching Arsenal's kit

David Raya launched Arsenal's new goalkeeper kit in a hint at a permanent 

Mikel Arteta recently praised Raya, Rice and Havertz for driving up the standards at Arsenal, whose battle for the Premier League title will enter the final day of the season. “The summer signings have raised the bar a lot. If we spend money we’d better do it wisely and in the most effective way,” Arteta said last week.

“We’re really happy with the recruitment that we had. It had a big impact in the team. It has raised not only the level of the team but the level of the rest of the players, as well. You see today we had some big performances from a lot of individuals.”

Raya being retained raises questions over the future of second-choice Aaron Ramsdale. The England goalkeeper was Arteta’s No 1 shot-stopper for two seasons before his surprise demotion in favour of Raya.

Ex-Arsenal star David Seaman has backed Ramsdale to kickstart his career elsewhere this summer, naming Chelse and West Ham among the teams who might provide a safe haven.

Seaman told his Seaman Says podcast: "You aren’t going to develop being a No. 2. You're going to get left behind in the pecking order because other goalkeepers will start playing. As an Arsenal fan, I don't really want Aaron Ramsdale to go. But then as an ex-England goalkeeper, I want to see another keeper developing.

"When I'm looking at it, I think he could go to somewhere like Chelsea to give himself a better shot of getting first team action. I think there are a few clubs who he would suit, maybe