'Best signing' - Arsenal's bargain summer transfer signing tipped to be worth £60m

Arsenal may not have had the busiest summer transfer window compared to their Premier League rivals, but they did enjoy a profitable one, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that one of the additions could have been worth up to £60m.

Goalkeeper David Raya was signed on a £27m permanent deal, after enjoying an impressive  season on loan from Brentford in the 2023/24 term. In 32 appearances last season, the Spanish shot-stopper kept 16 clean sheets and conceded 24 goals, ultimately winning the Golden Glove.

This season, he has already kept three clean sheets in five appearances and pulled off some miraculous saves in the Gunners’ recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

If this were not enough, the ex-Bees goalkeeper also produced a double save from a penalty to deny Atalanta the opportunity of winning their opening Champions League fixture last week.

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claimed that the Gunners believe Raya to be one of their best transfers in recent years.

“He’s doing fantastic,” Romano claimed. “Arsenal internally believe this has been one of the best signings in recent years for them. It wasn’t easy to change goalkeeper, Ramsdale was doing very well, but they wanted to change their style. They believe signing Raya on loan with an obligation to buy at something around £27m.

“Arsenal believe his value is over £50m, probably £60m. They are delighted with the player, Inaki Cana is developing him in the best way possible, so fantastic feelings at Arsenal around David Raya.”

Arsenal will be forced to do without their star man tonight, however, as the Emirates welcomes Bolton in the EFL Cup third round. Raya was seen hobbling through the Etihad Stadium after the final whistle on Sunday, wearing a bandage over his right knee. The Athletic have reported that Arteta will take no risks with their number one.

With second choice ‘keeper Neto cup-tied and Tommy Setford currently injured, Arsenal have been forced to turn to Porter who turned 16 just two months ago.

Raya’s injury is not thought to be serious but Arteta will hope that the mid-week rest allows his compatriot to be back in contention for Arsenal’s next Premier League clash on Saturday 28 September, as the side face Leicester City at the Emirates.