Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has been heavily linked with a move away during this transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, his preference would be to stay in the Premier League for a move to Arsenal as the two clubs attempt to negotiate a deal.
The Italian journalist remarks that a bid could be made soon to “accelerate talks” between the two parties.
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Raya Summer Saga Continues
The Spanish international has made it known that he desires to leave Brentford this summer, with 30-year-old Mark Flekken signed from Freiburg as a replacement. Tottenham Hotspur were initially linked with a move for him but were reportedly put off by the Bees’ £40 million asking price.
The same situation applied when Manchester United were looking at David de Gea replacements, but they too were unsure of paying the asking price if reports are to be believed. Despite this, it is clear that the 27-year-old is capable of being number one at clubs of such calibre, so it is no surprise that Arsenal are considering him as an option to compete for Aaron Ramsdale’s spot this coming season.
Can the Two Clubs Agree on a Deal?
As stated in Romano’s tweet, negotiations with Bayern Munich are off due to the German club insisting on a loan deal. It would be a major surprise if Brentford agreed to a loan deal after setting such a high price tag for the player.
Thomas Frank would like to receive £40 million and no less for his star man. Speaking recently, the Brentford boss stated: “Like everything it’s a negotiation. I would love to get £40m. That’s what he’s worth. I think he’s one of the best keepers, he was one of the four best keepers in the Premier League last season, so what is the price?”
Raya reportedly prefers a move to North London but after the Gunner’s huge outlay already this summer, there will likely be negotiations on the fee. It is expected that Arteta’s team will submit a bid soon, but it should not be expected that any conclusion will arrive quickly.
Raya or Ramsdale?
If the deal does go through, it will be fascinating to see who wins the battle between the sticks at Arsenal next term. Ramsdale has been excellent but has come in for some criticism after a poor end to the campaign which saw his side lose out on the Premier League title.
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The Spanish keeper, meanwhile, earned rave reviews for his performances as Brentford secured a ninth-place finish, just two points off a place in the Europa Conference League. Raya made 4.1 saves per game, more than any other goalkeeper with more than 10 league appearances. He also led the way for total saves, with 154 across 38 games.
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