Arsenal are exploring the option of bringing 27-year-old goalkeeper David Raya to the Emirates in order to provide Aaron Ramsdale with competition for the number 1 spot. As reported by David Ornstein at the Athletic, Raya is keen on the move to the Champions League side but the Bees are yet to receive any offer at this stage.
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Arsenal to Enter Talks for Brentford Goalkeeper David Raya
Competition for David Raya’s Signature
Bayern Munich were recently on the verge of signing the goalkeeper, who played in all 38 of Brentford’s Premier League games last term. However, with Bayern favouring a one-year loan with an option-to-buy clause at the end of next season, neither Brentford nor Raya were convinced. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the deal with the German champions now looks to have completely collapsed, leaving a clear path for the Gunners to get their man.
Raya would prefer a move to the Emirates over one to the Bundesliga side as it would allow him to stay in London and join the exciting Mikel Arteta project. David Ornstein has stated that Arsenal are “long-term admirers” of the Spanish keeper.
Read More: Bayern Munich ‘In Talks’ for £40 Million Rated ‘Top Class’ Star – Club Willing to Sell
Arsenal to Formalise Interest in Brentford Keeper
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Reports state that the Gunners are yet to make an official bid for Raya, although Romano claims that one is expected soon in order to fend off interest from competitors.
It is not clear if Brentford and Arsenal’s valuations of the keeper are aligned, but the player appears to be an admirer of the ongoing Arteta Revolution, which could push the move to completion.
What Could Arsenal Get From David Raya?
Where Raya will be playing his football come the end of the transfer window has been one of the biggest talking points all summer on the back of a successful season for the Brentford goalkeeper.
At the end of June, it was North London rivals Spurs who were in the driving seat to sign the Spanish international, with personal terms agreed. However, the deal eventually collapsed with Spurs being unwilling to meet the £40 million valuation. Similarly to Ramsdale, Raya is a modern-day goalkeeper who prides himself on his ability to play out from the back and receive the ball under pressure.
Read more: ‘We’ll Be Ready to Leave’: David Raya’s Agent Speaks Out on Future
Raya or Ramsdale?
Both Ramsdale and Raya started every Premier League game for their club last season. The English goalkeeper kept two more clean sheets than the Spaniard, but Brentford’s number one boasted a significantly higher save percentage (77.7% vs 70.3%).
Last campaign, Ramsdale made two errors leading to goals and has already made one in Arsenal’s pre-season tour in a friendly against Man United. The hope around the Emirates is that Raya will provide the competition Ramsdale might need to cut out needless errors and fulfil his high potential.
Watch: How Arteta Can Win The Premier League with Arsenal
Plenty of Football
Arsenal will be fighting on four fronts next season. Arteta saw the group stage of the Europa League last season as an opportunity to rest Ramsdale and give second-choice goalkeeper Matt Turner a chance, with the USA international featuring in five Europa League matches.
Arteta may feel that Turner cannot cut it in the Champions League and that Arsenal are going to need another reliable goalkeeper who can play the brand of football that they are famed for if they are to have any chance of progressing through the tournament.
Main image credit: © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
