David Luiz has joined Arsenal.
“Laya has joined the club on a season-long loan from Brentford. He will wear the number 22 shirt, with an option to buy outright,” the club announced.
Sporting Director Edu added: “We are delighted to welcome Raya to Brentford on a season-long loan. Raya is a top-class goalkeeper who has consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League. His arrival adds to the quality and depth of our squad to ensure we perform at the highest level possible in every game.”
The Spanish-born Raya grew up in the English game from a young age. He spent his youth career with Blackburn Rovers before signing a professional contract in 2013-14. He then went out on loan to Southport to gain experience, and in the 2017-18 season, he began to earn a regular spot in goal.
His steady rise earned him a move to Brentford in 2019. Raya signed a three-year deal to take on a new challenge. He quickly established himself as a first-choice goalkeeper, helping the team win promotion and earn a spot in the English Premier League (EPL) for the 2021-22 season. Injuries sidelined him in his first season, but he also earned a call-up to the Spanish national team.
He’s been consistent this season as well. His performances earned him a spot in the Spain squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ahead of David de Gea. Although he didn’t make his World Cup debut, he’s being touted as the next great Spanish goalkeeper.
He’s got good feet for a Spaniard. Raya’s biggest strengths are his accurate kicking and build-up play. His tactical value is that he can be heavily involved in the buildup from the back, which is required in modern soccer. Despite being on the small side at 5’10”, he is very good at competing for aerial balls and is stable enough to not be considered a weakness.
This has made him the subject of interest from a number of big clubs since the beginning of the transfer window. Tottenham Hotspur took notice in June. Spurs were looking for a replacement for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as he was set to leave the club. However, Brentford’s asking price was too high, and Tottenham ended up signing Guglielmo Vicario to keep him in goal.
Laya is also planning to leave Brentford for a new challenge. He has a contract with Brentford until June 2024. According to Sky Sports, Laya was eager to move to a big club, saying he was “ready to take the next step in my career”.
This is where Munich’s interest comes in. The Bavarians have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Manuel Neuer, as their No. 1. But after the World 토토사이트 Cup, Neuer suffered a fracture while on vacation at the ski resort. He’s out for the season. Jan Zomer is now in goal, but he’s moved on to Inter Milan.
Munich, however, quickly pulled out. According to Fabrizio Romano, a journalist familiar with European soccer news, “Negotiations between Munich and Brentford for Laya have broken down. The deal is currently on hold. Munich offered a loan. Both the player and the club rejected it.”
Arsenal came calling shortly after the deal fell through. The Gunners have Aaron Ramsdale as their first-choice goalkeeper, but he is often criticized for his poor footwork. They plan to bring in Lallana to provide competition.