David Raya joins Arsenal teammate in secret contract agreement as Gunners reward great form

Arsenal improved the terms of David Raya’s contract in the summer, football.london understands. The player’s back-to-back Golden Glove awards were rewarded with a bump in pay.

Raya signed with Arsenal in 2023 and has been a starter ever since he ousted Aaron Ramsdale from the position. He has since been joined by Kepa Arrizabalaga after the exit of Ramsdale and a season of Brazilian Neto joining on loan.

Raya has worked alongside goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana, with whom he spent many years at Brentford. The Spaniard continues to fight Unai Simon for the number one spot with the national side, but is considered very much in line to inherit the role.

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Raya’s current deal extends until 2028, and this new agreement does not change the length of the agreement and therefore no formal announcement was made nor is expected. football.london understands that a similar agreement situation occurred with Leandro Trossard, who also saw a reward for his contributions since his arrival.

At 30 years of age, there is not a rush to agree an extension to Raya’s contract like there has been with William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes. Raya has integrated seamlessly into the environment at Arsenal, and the reward for his efforts, like with Trossard, sends a message to the group of what strong performances can return.

Arsenal are believed to have the second highest wage bill in the league behind Manchester City and remain some way off the multi-title-winning side’s outlay despite overtaking Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent seasons. Arsenal have built a squad to compete in the short and long-term with high wages an expectation of such a position in the Premier League.