Charles Watts reports that everything is done on the player’s side for David Raya’s move to Arsenal from Brentford, it’s now just a matter of the two clubs completing the final few details on the structure of the deal. After that, the transfer will be announced.
But in the meantime, Watts also provided an update on Raya’s shirt number, with the goalkeeper set to wear the number 22.
It’s been a while since Raya has worn any number except 1, but he did wear the number 19 at Southport FC and the number 33 in his early days at Blackburn Rovers.
Goalkeepers often take the number 13 when the number 1 isn’t available, but Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson has held that number at Arsenal since his arrival.
Matt Turner took the number 30 last season, even though Rúnarsson was out on loan at the time.
Back on the actual deal for Raya to join, Kaya Kaynak reports that Arsenal are still confident, with the intricacies of the contract in the loan-with-option-to-buy deal causing the delays.
There are no concerns about the move falling through, and the Gunners reportedly believe the deal should be announced relatively soon.
As it stands, the expectation is that Raya will be in the Arsenal squad by the time the team face Crystal Palace next Monday.
“I expect the deal will be completed with Arsenal,” Frank said last week. “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.
Arsenal are set to sign David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal with an option to buy set at £27m.