Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has signed an improved contract at the Emirates Stadium, cementing his place as one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted players.
The Spain international, who has been crucial in Arsenal’s rise under Arteta, agreed to a pay rise earlier this summer, reflecting his growing influence and consistency since joining from Brentford.
Although the new deal does not extend beyond the original expiry date of 2028, it significantly improves Raya’s salary from his reported £100,000 per week. The club has also retained an option to extend the agreement further, ensuring long-term stability between the posts.
Recognition for Key Players
Raya’s new deal mirrors a similar arrangement offered to Leandro Trossard earlier this summer. The Belgian forward also agreed improved terms without adding years to his contract, which currently runs until 2027.
Arsenal’s approach reflects a policy of rewarding key performers without necessarily restructuring the club’s financial framework or contract length.
According to reports, Arsenal also plan to tie down other core players, with defender Jurrien Timber currently in talks over a new long-term deal, while Bukayo Saka is close to finalising an extension after months of negotiations.
At the same time, French centre-back William Saliba signed a new five-year deal earlier this year, and his defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes extended his stay until 2029 in June.
From Brentford to Premier League Elite
Since his move from Brentford—initially on loan in 2023—Raya has become one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers. He quickly displaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s number one, establishing himself as a calm, composed, and technically adept presence at the back.
Raya’s performances were recognised with the Premier League Golden Glove Award in the 2023/24 season, which he shared with Nottingham Forest’s Mats Sels the following campaign. His ability to play out from the back, coupled with crucial saves in tight matches, has been integral to Arsenal’s defensive stability.
Since debuting in a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park in September 2023, Raya has kept 33 clean sheets—six more than any other Premier League keeper over the same period.
Elite Level Consistency
Raya’s statistics underline why Arsenal were eager to secure his long-term commitment. His 71% save rate ranks among the league’s best, outperforming nearly all first-choice goalkeepers since the start of the 2023–24 season.
Even more impressively, Raya goes the longest between conceding goals—one every 114 minutes on average. By comparison, Ederson concedes every 96 minutes, and Alisson Becker every 84.
Arteta’s trust in Raya has never wavered, and his performances have often justified that faith. His calm distribution and aerial command have helped Arsenal build from the back more confidently, while his communication with defenders like Saliba and Gabriel has further solidified the team’s structure.
Future Secured
The improved deal is seen as a reward for Raya’s contribution and commitment to Arteta’s long-term vision for Arsenal. It also sends a message that the Gunners are intent on keeping their core intact as they continue to challenge domestically and in Europe.
As Arsenal prepare for another push for the Premier League title, the club’s decision to secure key figures like Raya, Trossard, and Saliba ensures stability in a squad that looks increasingly built for sustained success.
For Raya, the journey from Brentford to Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper has been one of determination, precision, and resilience—qualities that now see him among the Premier League’s elite shot-stoppers and a crucial figure in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware.
