Arsenal’s response to David Raya’s transfer confession revealed
Arsenal are set to discuss a new contract with David Raya after he admitted that he would be open to playing in La Liga, sources have told Football Insider.
The established number one raised concerns among Gunners fans after revealing his transfer plans in a recent interview with Spanish outlet MARCA.
The 31-year-old stopper admitted earlier this week that he would "love" to make a move back to his home country before his career is over.
He also insisted that he is "very happy" at the Emirates Stadium, though, after winning successive Premier League Golden Glove awards in the last two seasons.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Arsenal could look to extend Raya's contract past 2028 in the wake of his comments.
He remains a key part of Mikel Arteta's squad but is yet to force his way into the Spanish national team ahead of Unai Simon.
David Raya contract talks to progress with Arsenal after surprise admission
Arsenal fans questioned the motives behind Raya's comments as the interview was published on the eve of their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
He is not set to leave the club anytime soon, with the Gunners instead keen to keep the Spaniard tied down to the Emirates for another two seasons at least.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "They were interesting comments. It shouldn't come as a surprise that a Spanish player would be interested in a move to his homeland at some point in his career…
"I don't think Arsenal will be too concerned. He's under contract until 2028 and I'm sure they probably will look to sit down and discuss a new deal with him because he's the undisputed number one under Arteta, and I think he will be for the foreseeable future."
Raya's PL stats prove why Arsenal want to keep hold of him at all costs
Raya has clearly improved since joining Arsenal from Brentford in 2023, with his wealth of individual awards reflecting that rise.
The 31-year-old is second in the PL clean sheets table so far this term, with four in seven appearances, while he is joint-fifth for save percentage (75).
He is also one of just two stoppers to save a spot-kick so far, as he denied Enzo Le Fee in the Gunners' win at Sunderland in September, while Raya is yet to make an error leading to a goal and is in the 80th percentile for accurate long ball percentage (37.8)