Mikel Arteta has expressed his satisfaction with the permanent signing of David Raya, an “important player” for Arsenal. Raya’s move from Brentford to Arsenal, initially on loan, included a clause to make the transfer permanent for £27 million.
After an impressive season at the Emirates, Arsenal decided to secure Raya’s services permanently.
Arteta emphasized Raya’s significance, stating, “David demonstrated last season just how vital he is to our squad, and we’re thrilled to have him as a permanent member now.” He highlighted Raya’s influence in the dressing room and expressed confidence in Raya’s future contributions, noting that Raya will build on the strong foundation laid last season. Arteta also praised the goalkeeping unit’s camaraderie, which he values greatly.
For Raya, joining Arsenal permanently is a dream realized. He expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “After a year on loan, I can finally call myself an Arsenal player for the years ahead. I look forward to what the future holds, cherishing every moment in the present. This is a dream come true, and I appreciate all the support I’ve received so far.”
In addition to securing Raya, Arteta plans to strengthen the squad further by signing a new striker, midfielder, and left-back before the 2024-25 season.
In other transfer news, Brazilian defender Murillo has acknowledged Arsenal’s interest in him. Having had a standout season with Nottingham Forest, Murillo hinted that his move to Forest was a strategic step towards joining a bigger club.
However, the high asking price of £70.7 million could be a stumbling block for Arsenal, who hope to negotiate a lower fee while adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Murillo commented on the speculation, saying, “I know there’s been some interest, and while I’m not sure about the exact amount, my aim was always to use my time at Nottingham Forest as a stepping stone to a larger club.”
Furthermore, Arsenal appears to have reached an agreement to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. The 22-year-old defender was previously set to join Juventus, but Bologna preferred an international transfer. Competing with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal is close to securing Calafiori for around £40 million.
These moves indicate Arsenal’s commitment to bolstering their squad depth and quality in key positions, with Arteta and the board actively pursuing high-profile signings to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
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