8 months ago
50 With no fixture to play now until Arsenal take on Man City in a season-defining Premier League game, David Raya can bask in the afterglow of his penalty heroics against Porto for a little while longer.
The Spaniard was the difference for the Gunners in the shoot-out, and helped his side to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.
That one moment arguably justified his continued inclusion in the XI at the expense of Aaron Ramsdale, though the England man surely can’t help but feel a little aggrieved at the way in which he’s been treated by Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s David Raya is going nowhere
Of course, Raya still hasn’t yet signed a permanent contract with the North London outfit, and given his form, that could’ve potentially been a problem for Arsenal.
However, there’s no issue with him continuing his footballing education at the Emirates Stadium for the next few seasons.
“I want to tell you something about the hero of the night in the penalty shoot out against Porto; David Raya,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“He will, 100 percent be an Arsenal player next season. I told you already in October and November that Arsenal had a verbal plan with Brentford because they wanted to sign Raya last summer.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya is mobbed by his team-mates. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)“Then the deal was changed because of Financial Fair Play rules, so Arsenal decided to proceed with a loan deal that had a buy option, and the two clubs had a gentlemen’s agreement that Arsenal would buy David Raya for £27m.
“Also, the player wants to stay at Arsenal. He’s very happy with Arteta, with the staff, with the club, with the board and with his team-mates, so everything is perfect.”

Given that Arsenal have set their stall out in giving Raya the No.1 spot, and with Ramsdale arguably unhappy at playing second fiddle, particularly given his international aspirations, the latter will move on.
“Obviously in this case, I will keep you posted on Aaron Ramsdale as he’s still expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season,” Romano added.
