David Ornstein reveals surprise Arsenal, Brentford ‘buy option’ in transfer after contract ‘extension’

Arsenal are signing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on loan with an option to buy for £27million, says transfer expert David Ornstein.

It was revealed earlier this month that the Gunners were looking to sign Raya from their Premier League rivals after talks between the player and Bayern Munich broke down.

Negotiations over a move to the Emirates quickly accelerated with Arsenal allowing No. 2 goalkeeper Matt Turner to leave for Nottingham Forest.

Turner’s departure all but confirmed that Mikel Arteta was landing Raya, with multiple reports saying Arsenal would pay around £30m for his services.

However, Ornstein surprisingly revealed on Wednesday evening that the Spanish goalkeeper would be extending his Brentford contract to give them more security before joining the Gunners on loan.

MEDIAWATCH: Chelsea and Barca suffer crushing Neymar blow, Kane clarity, and Ramsdale’s harsh warning to new rival

In a deal that suits all parties, Arsenal will pay a £3m fee to sign Raya on loan for 2023/24, with the deal including a £27m buy option.

Raya initially had one year left on his Bees contract, which is why the club were eager to sell him this summer, but the extension means they will be able to receive a transfer fee if Arsenal decide not to trigger the purchase option at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old’s medical is expected to take place on Thursday so Arteta can include him in his matchday squad for Saturday’s opening Premier League fixture at home to Nottingham Forest.

Ornstein adds that Raya has said goodbye to everyone at Brentford after turning down a ‘similar offer’ from Bayern as he ‘always favoured’ a move to Arsenal.

Raya joins Arsenal to provide competition for No. 1 goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The agreement with Brentford represents a very good piece of business from Arsenal, who are essentially paying £3m to have one of the best back-up goalkeepers in the world.

Furthermore, Arteta can decide to opt out and save a decent amount of money if Raya does not do well and/or shows a poor attitude due to a lack of game time.

And if he is a success, the Gunners are signing a brilliant goalkeeper for a very modest price.

Spending £3m this summer also allows Arteta and director of football Edu Gaspar to spend money elsewhere before the end of the transfer window.

This deal will be viewed as a bitter blow to Bayern Munich, who were rebuffed by Brentford and Raya when they put an extremely similar offer on the table earlier this month.

READ MORE: Man City and Arsenal targets in most valuable Premier League XI outside Big Six (plus Newcastle)