Arsenal reward keeper Raya with improved deal

Arsenal reward goalkeeper David Raya with an improved contract to underline his status as one of Mikel Arteta's key players.

Arsenal keeper David Raya
Raya replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal's number one [Getty Images]

Arsenal have rewarded goalkeeper David Raya with an improved contract to underline his status as one of Mikel Arteta's key players.

It is understood the Spain international has finalised terms on a deal that sees Raya earn a pay increase on the contract he signed when joining the club permanently in the summer of 2024.

BBC Sport understands the agreement was struck earlier this summer but has not been officially announced by the club.

Raya earned a reported £100,000-per-week at the Emirates but his wages have increased following the agreement, though the length of his contract is understood to have stayed the same.

His contract currently expires in 2028 - but sources have indicated there is an option to extend the deal.

In a similar agreement, Leandro Trossard penned terms on an improved deal earlier this summer without extending the length of his contract, that expires in 2027.

Like Raya, Trossard's new deal was not officially confirmed.

Since joining Arsenal from Brentford, initially on loan in the summer of 2023, Raya has established himself as one of English football's top goalkeepers.

He won the Premier League's Golden Gloves award in the 2023/24 campaign and retained the accolade last season – sharing the trophy with Nottingham Forest keeper Mats Sels.

Meanwhile, as BBC Sport revealed last week, Arsenal have opened talks with Jurrien Timber over a new long-term deal while the Gunners are hopeful that Bukayo Saka will renew his contract with his discussions at an advanced stage.

France defender William Saliba also recently signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners, while his centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes extended his Arsenal deal until 2029 in June.

Category: General Sports