David Raya signs new Arsenal contract with pay rise but no extension as Gunners keep announcement under wraps

BBC Sport reports the new deal was struck earlier this summer, but has not been officially announced by the club. Arsenal reportedly conducted a similar arrangement with winger Leandro Trossard, whose contract was improved but not extended. The Belgian winger's deal expires in 2027. 

Raya's previous contract was signed in the summer of 2024, after he completed a permanent switch from Brentford for a reported fee of £27m. The Spanish shot stopper had spent the previous season at the Emirates in a loan deal which cost the Gunners £3m.

BBC Sport also reports that Arsenal have opened talks with Jurrien Timber over a new long-term deal, and are hopeful that Bukayo Saka will put pen to paper soon, with discussions between the player's representatives and the club at an advanced stage. 

Raya's new terms further solidifies the team's defensive spine. France defender William Saliba recently signed a new five-year deal, heading off suggestions of an end-of-contract swoop by Real Madrid. His partner at the back Gabriel Magalhaes also committed his future to the club this summer, signing a deal that runs until 2029 in June. 

In a column earlier this season, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed if Arsenal are to win the title this year, it will "be built on the consistent excellence of William Saliba, Gabriel Margalhaes and David Raya."

Since joining the club, Raya has established himself as one of world football's top shot stoppers. He won the Premier League's Golden Glove award in 2023-24 and retained his crown last year, splitting the accolade with Nottingham Forest keeper Matz Sels. Raya is already on course to keep his title once again. In their nine competitive games this term, the Gunners have conceded just three goals. Only Manchester City's Erling Haaland has beaten Raya in open play. 

He has kept 33 clean sheets since making his debut for Arsenal in September 2023, six more than any other keeper. His save percentage of 71% in the same time frame, has only been bettered by Alisson Becker, Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford. 

Alisson and Pickford are among the best paid shot stoppers in the league, with the Liverpool keeper topping the charts alongside Emi Martinez on a reported £150,000-per-week in the 2024-25 season. While the details of Raya's deal have been kept under raps, a pay rise in line with Martinez and Alisson's earnings would not be out of the question, nor would it be undeserved. 

The decision to improve Raya's deal without extending his time at the club is a reflection of his importance to the club. At 30 years old, this contract will encompass the latter years of the Spaniard's prime. Rather than let him go underpaid, Arsenal have rewarded his importance to the team with a new deal, while also keeping their options open in the future. 

If the club are able to extend Timber, Saka, and other key members of their side, it could be a bountiful few years in north London for Raya and the rest of Mikel Arteta's side. Their staunch defence, and increased depth all over the park compared to last season, has the Gunners in pole position in the Premier League after seven games. 

In the immediate future, Raya will report for international duty with Spain as they prepare to face Georgia and Bulgaria in their World Cup qualification campaign. Upon his return, the keeper will be the first name on the team sheet as Arsenal look to build on their title winning credentials with an away trip to Fulham, before continuing their Champions League campaign when they host Atletico Madrid.