**Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been named the Gooner News Player of the Year after taking 44.4% of the vote.**
It has been an outstanding season for the Spanish international, who pulled off some outstanding saves, including one crucial one against West Ham, which arguably helped the Gunners [**clinch the Premier League title**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-news-5-clutch-last-minute-goals-saves-title-win/).
Raya only narrowly came out on top of the poll conducted by _Gooner News_, with Declan Rice finishing a narrow second.
Gabriel came a distant third, with Viktor Gyokeres and William Saliba only receiving a small number of votes. You can see the full results below:
Raya has received high praise from his manager as well as fans
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Speaking after the 1-0 over West Ham last month, when his keeper made that remarkable stop from Mateus Fernandes, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said:
“When you talk about magic moments, this is certainly one of the most needed moments as well to pull off with that save. He was incredible.”
There were also numerous other occasions when Raya prevented goals that helped his team secure points. Some of the most notable include an excellent double stop after an overhead kick from Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and the spectacular save from Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.
Arsenal need to reward him with a new contract
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Raya has two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates. He was given a pay increase (along with Leandro Trossard) last year, but it is surprising that there was no extension.
Goalkeepers can stay at the top level well into their thirties, and with Raya only turning 31 in September, you have to think that sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to sit down with the keeper and his agent over the coming months to agree fresh terms.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly and others have had renewals over the past year, and keeping Raya should now be a top priority.