Key Arsenal player 'is rewarded with an improved deal' after a superb run of form - but contract length 'doesn't change despite pay rise for £100,000-a-week star'

Arsenal have rewarded a first-team player with an improved contract, underlining his role as one of Mikel Arteta's most important players.

The Gunners, who sit top of the Premier League heading into the international break, have made steps towards keeping the core of Arteta's squad together long-term, striking a new deal with key centre-back William Saliba just days ago.

Saliba, 24, was set to be out of contract in the summer of 2027 and had attracted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, but concerns over a potential exit from the Emirates were quelled by the club last Tuesday after the Frenchman put pen to paper on a new five-year deal.

Now, according to the BBC, Arsenal have rewarded David Raya with an improved deal in an agreement which was struck earlier this summer but not officially announced by the club.

Raya, understood to be earning a £100,000-a-week salary before the improved deal, has established himself as the clear first-choice goalkeeper under Arteta following his 2023 move from Brentford.

The Spaniard, who initially joined Arsenal on loan before completing his permanent move in 2024, has chalked up 45 clean sheets in 105 appearances for the Gunners and was recently branded the most 'attacking goalkeeper in the Premier League' by Arteta after his side's 1-1 draw to Manchester City last month. 

He won the Premier League's Golden Gloves award in 2023-24 and retained the trophy last campaign, sharing with Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Matz Sels.

Although Raya has received a pay rise, it is claimed the length of his contract has not changed as part of the improved deal.

The Spanish goalkeeper's contract is set to expire in 2028 but there is understood to be an option to extend the deal, according to BBC sources.

The improved deal is similar to the one Leandro Trossard signed during the summer transfer window, which saw the Belgian take a pay rise without extending the length of his contract.

Trossard's new deal, like Raya's, was not officially confirmed by the club.

Arsenal are also in talks with Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka over long-term contract extensions, keen to keep the squad together as they aim to finally win the Premier League title this term following three successive second-place finishes.