Done Deal: Fabrizio Romano confirms first Arsenal signing of the summer; another deal ‘already completed’

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed two Arsenal deals that are assured, while a third is advancing

While Fabrizio Romano has confirmed two more deals, one of which is “already completed,” will be made, David Raya is set to become Arsenal’s first summer signing.

When Arsenal signed Spain international Raya in the summer of last year, people took notice. Although sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta felt it was necessary to sign an upgrade, the Gunners already had Aaron Ramsdale in goal.

Raya ultimately agreed to a season-long loan with Arsenal. Brentford received a £3 million loan fee in addition to a £27 million purchase option.

When the concept first surfaced, Arteta promoted switching between Raya and Ramsdale based on the opposition. But Raya’s signing was clearly intended to establish him as the undisputed No. 1, and Ramsdale has since faded into the background.

The benched stopper is expected to depart at the end of the current campaign; TEAMtalk has exclusive information about his potential departure amount and destination.

Naturally, though, Raya’s loan move must become permanent before Ramsdale can leave. Raya will undoubtedly join Arsenal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Raya’s long-ago choice
The dependable source said on X: “David Raya’s buy option is part of the Arsenal plan, and it will undoubtedly be activated—it was decided months ago.

Arsenal will spend £27 million on that, as has been planned since the summer.

Though Raya initially displayed nervousness during the season, she has since overcome them, and Arteta’s risk in replacing Ramsdale is starting to pay off.

Tuesday night’s Champions League shootout between Arsenal and FC Porto saw Raya save two penalties.

His clutch penalty kick ensured that Arsenal made it to the UCL quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.

In other news, Romano revealed that the Gunners intend to sign two of their more adaptable defenders to longer contracts.

First, the reporter claimed that a fresh contract with 25-year-old Takehiro Tomiyasu is “already completed.”

Arsenal hasn’t formally announced the Japan international’s new contract yet, but it seems like it will happen soon.

A contract extension for Ben White will also be “sealed soon,” according to Romano.

Originally signed by the team as a center-half, White was later moved to right-back so that William Saliba could partner Gabriel Magalhaes.

The choice made by Arteta and company has proven wise, and this season in particular, White has started to demonstrate his attacking prowess. In the Premier League this season, White has two goals and four assists.

Tomiyasu is expected to receive a pay raise from £50,000 to £100,000 per week, according to a March report in The Sun.

White is rumored to make £120,000 per week in addition to a generous pay increase.