First picture of David Raya in Arsenal training leaked as new signing's squad number confirmed

David Raya's Arsenal move has been announced with the Spaniard's new squad number also revealed.

The Gunners finalised a deal for Brentford goalkeeper Raya, with the player reportedly joining on an initial £3million loan with an option to buy for a further £27million.

While the deal was agreed last week there had been a delay in announcing the Spaniard, causing some Arsenal fans to worry the transfer had broken down.

However, the wait was reportedly credited to Brentford extending Raya's contract by a year to protect his value if the option to buy is not taken up. He had previously entered the final year of his deal.

However the move has now been completed, with a picture of the player donning Arsenal training gear having been leaked online earlier on Tuesday.

The club announced that Raya will wear the Number 22 shirt this season.

On the move Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We welcome David to us on a season-long loan from Brentford. David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League.

"With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions.”

Raya joins the Gunners' goalkeeper department to compete with current No 1 Aaron Ramsdale after Matt Turner departed to Nottingham Forest for £10million last week.

Cana and Raya relationship

Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaka Cana was reportedly a key figure in the club's long-term interest in Raya.

Cana, who was previously the goalkeeping coach at Brentford, played a major part in Raya signing for the Bees from Blackburn back in 2019.

David Raya’s agent, Jaume Munell, on Instagram story, at London Colney. 🕵️‍♂️ #afc pic.twitter.com/76ZJxpj4HH

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 15, 2023

Both were born in Barcelona and Cana has followed Raya's progress since his time as a youngster at Cornella, a smaller team based in the Catalan city.

Raya has spoke glowingly of Cana in the past. Amid Arsenal's interest in the shot-stopper back in 2021 Raya said: "He has helped me loads. He's a completely different character on the pitch, he's very hardworking, very tough, and I think every goalkeeper who's worked from him will tell you the same.

"You learn a lot, he puts you on your toes all the time, and he never lets you go down a level. He wants every single exercise 110 per cent, you cannot go 80. If you go 80, you cannot catch up, it's impossible."