Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refuses to confirm David Raya permanent transfer following impressive loan spell

Spain international Raya joined the Gunners from Brentford last summer and quickly established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, usurping Aaron Ramsdale. However, Arteta refused to confirm whether Raya would stay at the Emirates beyond 2023-24 during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth.

Raya has been a key figure in Arsenal’s impressive campaign, with his 14 clean sheets making him the clear favourite to win the Premier League’s Golden Glove award - a clean sheet against the Cherries at the Emirates will see him mathematically claim the accolade. The 28-year-old also shone in Champions League action and famously saved two penalties in the shootout against Porto to secure passage to the quarter-finals.

Arteta said: “Those conversations are for after the season, we will review where we are. Obviously we are really happy with David and everything that he has brought to the club, to the team, there’s no question about it, but all those decisions are to be made between all of us at the club and we will see.”

But while Arteta was coy on Raya’s future, he was utterly dismissive of claims that Arsenal will look to offload striker Gabriel Jesus in the summer. When asked about the potential outcome of the Brazilian leaving if the right offer arrived, Arteta added: “I don’t know where that’s coming from. No.”

Tomorrow’s match against Bournemouth is huge for both club and player as Arsenal look to keep their title challenge firmly alive. As for Raya, he will be eager to bounce back in style after gifting a goal to Tottenham’s Cristian Romero in last weekend’s north London derby. After their penultimate home match of the season, the Gunners travel to bitter rivals Manchester United before hosting Everton on the final day.