Arsenal launch bid to Brentford for David Raya after agreeing personal terms
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
Thank you for subscribing!
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
David Raya could become the latest addition to Arsenal's squad this summer after the Gunners officially lodged a formal offer for the Brentford goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Mikel Arteta's side after impressing at the Gtech Community Stadium in recent years. Rumours of Arsenal's interest have led to debate over Aaron Ramsdale's future at the club, with many wondering whether the England international could be replaced despite Arsenal's recent success.
And the north Londoners are seemingly very serious about their intentions to acquire Raya, who has already agreed personal terms over the move. That's after transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported Arsenal have submitted a bid worth £23million for the Spain international.
The offer is worth an initial £20m plus £3m in add-ons, which is more than the £18.5m Arsenal paid Sheffield United to sign Ramsdale in 2021. The former Bournemouth stopper helped the Gunners finish second in the Premier League last term, but it's believed Raya's ball-playing ability could be a better fit for Arteta's blueprint.
READ MORE: David Raya told to join Chelsea as 'something isn't right' with Arsenal transfer deal
It's unlikely the bid will satisfy the Bees following reports earlier this summer that the club is seeking £40m to part ways with the player. The Catalan cost Brentford around £3m when he joined from Blackburn Rovers in 2019, having first moved to Ewood Park as a teenager seven years earlier.
After taking the scenic route to reach the top flight, Raya could now be on the verge of joining a genuine Premier League title contender in Arsenal. However, the capital club may be expected to significantly revise their initial bid before Brentford will do business.
Do you think Raya would be an upgrade on Ramsdale at Arsenal? Let us know in the comments section below.
Ramsdale, 25, replaced Bernd Leno between Arsenal's posts and quickly became a favourite among the club's fan base. He was particularly well-liked after the Gunners featured on Amazon's All Or Nothing series, where he and his dad, Nick, 'stole the show'.
That being said, Spaniard Raya could soon pose a threat to the incumbent's squad status if Arsenal succeed in signing Raya. And the club's determination to improve in other parts of the park this summer suggests they won't take no for an answer in their keeper hunt.
Follow the Daily Star on Threads
Arteta has already spent massive sums to sign the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz from West Ham and Chelsea, respectively. That pair alone cost Arsenal around £160m, while Ajax defender Jurrien Timber set them back another £38m.
As for departures from the Emirates Stadium, the club has only managed to raise around £25m through player sales so far this summer. Most of that is due to Granit Xhaka's £21m move to Bayer Leverkusen, while Pablo Mari and Auston Trusty have each brought in more minor fees.
Brentford are already braced for Raya's potential exit after signing Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken for £11m earlier this summer. That's in addition to Albania international Thomas Strakosha, who arrived on a free last summer following seven years at Lazio.
- Arsenal FC
- Brentford FC
- Premier League
- Transfer news
Source: Read Full Article