David Raya has completed his transfer from Brentford to Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Aymeric Laporte has fueled speculation of an impending move to Arsenal by congratulating David Raya who completed his move to the Gunners on Tuesday.
The Spain international goalkeeper joined the north London club on an initial season-long loan and will provide major competition for Aaron Ramsdale who has been the club’s No.1 since he usurped Bernd Leno.
Raya represents Arsenal’s fourth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta, however, had already been keen to strengthen his defence before confirmation that Timber would be ruled out for months after he sustained knee ligament damage on his Premier League debut last weekend against Nottingham Forest.
Laporte, as well as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, are understood to be on Arteta’s radar and the Manchester City star was clearly happy to see Raya complete his dream move to Arsenal yesterday with a message on Instagram.
Aymeric Laporte was clearly pleased to see David Raya sign for Arsenal (Picture: Instagram)
Laporte had been a mainstay of City’s defence up until last season when he was relegated to fifth choice following the signing of Manuel Akanji.
Raya’s fellow Spain international appears to have now been deemed totally surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola and has been made available for a transfer.
Laporte is said to have agreed terms with Al-Hilal over a potential move to Saudi Arabia but his future could hinge on whether current Arsenal defender Gabriel moves there instead.
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The Brazil international was a surprising omission from Arsenal’s starting XI against Forest at the weekend when Arteta opted for a defensive reshuffle in order to accommodate Eddie Nketiah.
His decision was, ultimately vindicated, when the striker scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win, while Gabriel was summoned from the bench late on with his side clinging to a narrow lead.
MORE : Brentford chief explains why David Raya has been allowed to join Arsenal on loan
MORE : Arsenal sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya on loan with option to buy
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This would be some signing!