The Gunners had been expected to make the move after the Catalan star impressed between the sticks last term and the club will fork out £27 million for his services. News that the deal has been activated came from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Monday evening.
Taking to social media platform X, Romano wrote: "Understand Arsenal have now formally activated the buy option for David Raya from Brentford. He’s Arsenal player on permanent deal for £27m as planned; it was already decided and now completed.
"Formal statement to follow but all done for Raya as key part of #AFC project."
Raya found himself at the centre of a selection storm at the Emirates Stadium last year as he ousted England shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale from the starting berth. He finished the season a fan-favourite having saved crucial penalties against Porto in the Champions League while also picking up the Golden Glove award after 16 clean sheets in the league.
Arteta was a staunch defender of the Brentford loanee as he came under media scrutiny for replacing Ramsdale. After a high-profile mistake against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year, Arteta said: "It became a game of chaos but we are lucky to have the keeper we have. He made an individual error but after that the way he played was outstanding. He was magnificent.
“David Raya stood up and took six, seven crosses and that is what we want, and if you are going to take risks you have that reaction - I am really proud of them.”
Having lost his starting role, the future of Ramsdale at Arsenal remains up in the air. The player had been linked with a summer exit to Newcastle United but the Magpies have since recruited former Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy as back-up for Nick Pope.
Should Ramsdale depart, then Arsenal are expected to splash the cash on a new deputy to compete with Raya. Brighton man Jason Steele and former Gooner Wojciech Szczesny are two reported options.
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