Arsenal is confident about finalising two new sign before Nottingham Forest Match on Saturday as David Raya and Mohammad Kudus set for medical test...

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign David Raya ahead of the Premier League season starting.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta now has a decision to make on his goalkeeper department with a 'full agreement' reached with Brentford for the signing of David Raya. The Gunners have already spent big this summer on improving Arteta's squad with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

All three players have made an impact already in pre-season, but Arsenal's business is far from finished. A surprise bid for Brentford No 1 Raya emerged last week despite Aaron Ramsdale impressing since joining two years ago.

Personal terms were already agreed with the Spaniard as Brentford were hoping to receive a fee close to £40million. But Arsenal have managed to negotiate a cheaper deal to sign Raya with Fabrizio Romano claiming a full agreement has been reached for the goalkeeper to move to Arsenal.

It's claimed the overall package will cost around £30m with Raya signing a long-term contract to 2028. A medical is scheduled to take place this week, meaning Raya could be named as an Arsenal player in time to their first game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

But whether Raya comes in as Arsenal's No 1 remains to be seen following Ramsdale's heroics for Arsenal in the Community Shield last week. Arteta was asked whether Arsenal's interest in Raya would have had an impact on Ramsdale's performance, to which the Spaniard replied: "I hope not because the competition here always exists whoever it is.

"That's what it has to feel like. It it doesn't feel like this we are not going to get the best out of each player. We have to make sure we all feel like this, me first."

Ramsdale was also asked earlier this summer about Arsenal's interest in refreshing the goalkeeping department. The England international seemed up for the challenge to fight for his place as Arsenal's No 1, stating: "Bring it on.

"Nothing comes easy in football. But also at the same time you need to move along, and need to adapt as well yourself. I've done it to other people when I've moved to clubs so I'm not going to be thinking that it's never going to happen to me.

"I think if it happens, it happens and then we'll fight and we'll make each other the best version of ourselves."

Arsenal continue to look busy in the transfer market even after spending over £200million ($257m) on new players this summer. Mikel Arteta's side have added to their squad in key areas already with the incomings of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber but aren't done yet.

They are searching for sales in order to fund a late push in the final five weeks before their window of opportunity closes but that the lack of activity away from the Emirates Stadium hasn't stopped things from moving on either way.

It is reported in Italy that Gremio midfielder Bitello is now finalising a move to London in a deal thought to be worth £8million ($10m). The 23-year-old is an all-action player that can operate across the centre of the park and has gained interest from across Europe.

Monaco are said to have made an offer for the player but now, Tuttomercatoweb suggest that Arsenal have beaten off Serie A suitors to secure a deal for the player with things now in the final stages.

Maickal Portela, his agent, says such reports aren't true and Fabrizio Romano has dampened the talks as well. "I’m aware that there have been reports claiming a deal is close for Arsenal to sign Bitello from Gremio this week,” he said. “But I’m not sure things are as advanced as others have suggested.

“My understanding is that Bitello is one of many talents followed and monitored by Arsenal’s South American scouting team. He’s doing very well at Gremio. Let’s see if they will open talks in the next days.

If there is uncertainty over the position of Bitello then there is even more with Mohammed Kudus. The Ghana star is in the middle of a transfer battle between Chelsea and Arsenal with both teams keen on securing a move for the 22-year-old.

Having missed training with Ajax last week due to a small injury, Kudus is said to be 'close' to agreeing personal terms with the Blues. It is a blow for the Gunners who are said to be unable to meet the £40million ($51m) asking price at the current moment due to their massive spend so far.

Without the sales to go with that Arsenal have been left to ponder a move but recent reports could change their thinking. It is said that Kudus would prefer a move to north London if it came down to making a choice between the two. Although he is also open to signing at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal now know that they have the upper hand.

With young players coming to the Premier League it is an open story as to how things progress with these deals. Players are more often than not looking to secure their future in England more than with a specific club. This hardly hands Chelsea back much initiative but it is something to be aware of for Arteta and Edu.

If the plan is to wait for sales to bankroll any deal for Kudus, then it might not come quick enough given how desperate Chelsea are for players in that position. What this does show is just how immensely popular Arsenal have become and it's certainly something they can point towards as evidence of their rise on the European football scene.