Arsenal are preparing to protect the core of their squad under Andrea Berta. The Premier League leaders are using the same approach they used earlier this year with Leandro Trossard.
Earlier in the summer, the Belgian had reached an agreement for an improved deal. However, there was no official extension. Arsenal simply gave him a pay rise to match his importance in the team.
Now, they have applied the same strategy to secure another crucial player in Mikel Arteta’s system.
According to BBC Sport, the Gunners have agreed a salary increase with their first-choice goalkeeper.
The club see David Raya as fundamental to their title push and Champions League ambitions.
The former Brentford keeper replaced Aaron Ramsdale as number one soon after arriving in 2023.
His composure with the ball helped Arsenal become more confident while building from the back.
Since joining the Gunners, he has kept 45 clean sheets in 105 games and won two Premier League Golden Glove awards.
The Spaniard was also in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
However, just like Trossard, Arsenal may never announce the new contract publicly. The deal was agreed months ago, but the club prefer to keep such renewals quiet.
David Raya remains tied to Arsenal until 2028, with an option for one more year.
But his weekly wage has now been increased to reward his performance. Raya earned around £100,000 per week previously.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also preparing new contracts for other key names. Talks are ongoing with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka over improved terms.
The Gunners are ready to make Saka their highest earning player in the squad.
Arsenal are also ready to activate Gabriel Martinelli’s extension clause to protect his value before 2027.
It is no doubt that Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are on the same page. They are preparing a squad that can propel Arsenal to the top of European football.
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