16 August 2023 , 03:00
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Arsenal's summer of spending continues as Mikel Arteta's men land their fourth signing of the summer in goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners enjoyed a successful start to the 2023/24 Premier League season last Saturday with an impressive 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Despite Taiwo Awoniyi's late second-half consolation providing a nervy finish, first-half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka were enough to hand Arsenal all three points. Next up is the trickier test of a trip to Crystal Palace on Monday night.
It is highly likely that Raya is named in the match-day squad when the Gunners meet the Eagles, but he'll have to wait a little bit longer before he gets the chance to show Arsenal fans what he can do given Aaron Ramsdale remains the number one for the time being.
With that being said, here are all the transfer talking points emerging out of the Emirates on Wednesday, August 16.
Raya deal confirmed
Arsenal new signing David Raya with (L) manager Mikel Arteta and (R) Sporting Director Edu (Getty Images)Arsenal's long-awaited deal for David Raya has at long last been confirmed. The Spaniard has signed a loan deal worth £3million, though his contract includes an option to buy clause worth £27m that the Gunners are widely expected to activate.
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Speaking in his first interview as a Gunner, the shot-stopper explained: "I’m over the moon to be able to take this challenge in my career and make the step up.
"I’m really excited to get going and see how the season ends up. I spoke to the boss and he sent me the values of what Arsenal are about. The way that the club is going, it’s growing even more so it is a beautiful challenge to take and I couldn’t say no."
He has also penned a two-year extension with parent club Brentford so that he retains value when the time comes for Arsenal to land his signature on a permanent basis.
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Laporte linked with move
Aymeric Laporte has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Declan Lloyd)Arsenal have been linked with a move for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte previously, but amid Jurrien Timber's injury and speculation regarding Gabriel Magalhaes' future, the rumours have returned.
Back in July Mundo Deportivo reported that Laporte was on Arsenal's radar, while Juventus were also keeping tabs on the former Athletic Bilbao star.
Caught Offside have reported that Laporte is now a name once again being touted by those at the top of the Gunners' hierarchy.
The centre-back has two years left on his City deal but played less than 1,000 Premier League minutes last season. As a result, Laporte could be tempted by the idea of a reunion with former Etihad assistant Arteta.
Spurs keen on shock switch
Folarin Balogun is valued at over £40million (Jose L Argueta/Getty Images)Fierce rivals Tottenham are believed to be mulling over a potential pursuit of Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun, as per Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Spurs are prowling the market for a Harry Kane replacement following his €100million (£86.2m) move to Bayern Munich and are believed to harbour some interest in Balogun.
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The Gunners are holding out for £47.4m for Balogun, who scored 22 goals during a loan spell with Reims last season. Inter Milan are extremely interested but are struggling to muster up the required funds.