David Raya has become Arsenal's number one goalkeeper since his summer move across London - and could set a new Premier League record this afternoon which is unlikely to be beaten.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper moved to the Gunners last summer from Brentford, initially on loan with an option for Mikel Arteta's side to buy him permanently in a few months.
Raya signed a new deal with the Bees when he joined Arsenal, with an initial £3m loan fee to be paid and an option to buy for £27m this summer transfer window.
Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, Raya has become the new first choice stopper, displacing England international Aaron Ramsdale.
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Upon joining Arsenal, Raya said: "I’m over the moon to be able to take this challenge in my career and make the step up. I’m really excited to get going and see how the season ends up.
"I spoke to the boss and he sent me the values of what Arsenal are about. The way that the club is going, it’s growing even more so it is a beautiful challenge to take and I couldn’t say no.
"One of the challenges is to get used to the style and the patterns, and get to know the players as soon as possible to get that bond from the beginning.
"Knowing the players and the staff, I think they’re going to put me in the right direction and I’ll fit in straight away.”
Raya has made 31 appearances in all competitions so far for the Gunners, and kept clean sheets in almost half of those encounters.
On the road of late in the top flight, Raya has not conceded since Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi scored a consolation in Arsenal's 2-1 victory at the City Ground at the end of January.
Since then in the Premier League, Raya has kept clean sheets in thrashings against West Ham United, Sheffield United, and Burnley.
Raya also kept a clean sheet when the spoils were shared at the Etihad Stadium in a goalless draw against Manchester City.
The Gunners make the journey to the south coast this evening when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium.
And should Raya not concede against the Seagulls, he will become the first Spanish goalkeeper to keep five consecutive clean sheets in Premier League away games.
It will be quite the achievement if he manages it and one which is unlikely to be beaten any time soon.
Topics: Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton And Hove Albion, Aaron Ramsdale, Premier League
John McDougall