Arsenal make decision on future of loanee

Arsenal face fellow Londoners Brentford when they return to Premier League action on Saturday. 

The Gunners defeated Burnley 3-1 at The Emirates in their final outing before the international break, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side third in the top flight table.

Just a single point separates leaders Manchester City from Arsenal, with second-placed Liverpool level on points with the North London outfit.

The Bees will undoubtedly provide Arteta’s side with a stern test on Saturday afternoon, but the Spaniard will be confident that they can maintain the pressure on the Citizens.

One player that won’t be involved is David Raya, who is unable to play to play against Brentford as per the terms of his loan move from the Bees.

The Spaniard joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford over the summer, and 90min claim that the Gunners intend to make his move permanent.

Raya is likely to join Arsenal permanently next summer

It is claimed that the club have informed Raya that they will make his switch a permanent one, activating the £27 million option-to-buy clause that was included in the initial move.

Raya, 28, arrived at The Emirates to compete with Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper, but the Spaniard has since established himself as number one.

That has left England international Ramsdale facing an extremely uncertain future, and that situation appears unlikely to be resolved any time soon if Arsenal are planning on signing Raya permanently.

Since his summer move, Raya has made 12 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, keeping six clean sheets and conceding nine goals.

Despite Arteta’s decision to make him number one ‘keeper, the three-time Spain international has made a number of high-profile errors.

He appears to remain the club’s number one ‘keeper, however his absence for Saturday’s match could allow Ramsdale the opportunity to impress and potentially force his way back into the first team.