Arsenal are set to sign David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal with an option to buy set at £27m, but the Gunners are yet to formally announce the move.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted he expects the move to go through.
“I expect the deal will be completed with Arsenal,” Frank said. “He’s not here at the moment and won’t be involved on Sunday.”
Raya was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium for the game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with his family posting pictures and videos on social media of the game.
Though they didn’t post any pictures of the player himself, presumably trying to be respectful to Brentford until the move is official.
David Raya’s family enjoying the Emirates stadium yesterday.
Announcement imminent. pic.twitter.com/o0b8eEff8q
— Gilles 🇳🇬🏴 (@_Grimanditweets) August 13, 2023
There’s little doubt Raya’s move to Arsenal will be confirmed soon. His camp have been sharing pictures at London Colney and the Emirates Stadium, as has his agent.
Arsenal likely didn’t want to overshadow the signing or the opening game of the season by revealing the deal on the same day as the match, especially since Raya was ineligible to feature in it.
But it shouldn’t be long now until we get the official announcement.
Arsenal are next in action against Crystal Palace on Monday, August 21st at 20:00 BST, so that will be Raya’s first opportunity to make an Arsenal squad.
That game is at Selhurst Park, and Arsenal’s next fixture at the Emirates Stadium is against Fulham on Saturday, August 26th at 15:00 BST.