Fabrizio Romano has revealed how Arsenal can activate a clause in David Raya's contract as part of his move from Brentford.
The Athletic's David Ornstein previously reported that the Gunners are closing in on a move for the Brentford goalkeeper, which will initially see him move to the Emirates Stadium on loan.
Arsenal are said to be paying a £3 million loan fee for the Spaniard.
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Raya will join the Gunners as competition for goalkeeping incumbent Aaron Ramsdale, with backup Matt Turner moving to Nottingham Forest earlier in the week.
Arsenal do have the option to make the deal permanent, meanwhile, for a fee of £27 million.
Now, Romano has revealed why the clause has been added in Raya's contract, and how Arsenal can activate it.
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Romano reveals Arsenal clause
Taking to Twitter, the transfer expert has claimed that the Gunners wanted the deal to be structured in a particular way due to concerns over Financial Fair Play (FFP).
Arteta's side have already spent over £200 million this summer, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
He then added how long it will take for Arsenal to trigger the clause.
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Romano explained: "Brentford accepted this way [loan and future fee clause] as it helps Arsenal with Financial Fair Play.
"Buy clause, automatically activated after few games otherwise available for Arsenal in 2024."
Raya's form with Brentford earned him his first Spain cap last year, and he is now a regular member of the senior squad.
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Question marks around his future at the Brentford Community Stadium has swirled throughout the summer, with manager Thomas Frank revealing in February that the goalkeeper had rejected a new contract.
Ornstein has reported that Raya, who signed for Brentford from then fellow Championship side Blackburn in 2019, will sign a new contract at the Bees due to the £27 million future fee clause within his impending Arsenal loan contract. His current deal expires next summer.
More to follow.
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Topics: Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal, Brentford, Premier League, Transfers