Arsenal have hadBrentfordgoalkeeperDavid Rayaon their radar for a long time, according totransfer newsexpertFabrizio Romano.
Writing in hisexclusive CaughtOffside column, Romanohas provided the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Raya this summer, with the Spanish shot-stopper now seemingly a priority for the Gunners again, with Mikel Arteta a big fan of the player.
It seemsArsenalcould be set to pursue Raya to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale, rather than replacing him, and it will be interesting to see which one of those can come out on top in the battle to be the north London giants’ first choice.
“I’m told Arsenal’s interest in Raya is genuine – he’s been on their radar for years and they believe this is a big opportunity on the market,” Romano said.
“Arsenal have always appreciated him and Mikel Arteta is a big fan, but now it’ll be down to the clubs to reach an agreement.
Aaron Ramsdale could face competition for the no.1 spot at Arsenal
“As for Aaron Ramsdale, my understanding is that the idea would be to create competition between Ramsdale and Raya – it’s not a case of replacing the England ‘keeper.”
Raya has shone in the Premier League and some fɑɴȿ may view him as an upgrade on Ramsdale, though there’s also no doubt that the England international has been a successful and popular figure at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta is clearly ruthless and demands perfection in every position, with Jurrien Timber also coming in this summer despite Ben White being such a key performer last season, while another in-form star, Thomas Partey, is also no longer guaranteed a place in the starting XI after the big signing of Declan Rice in midfield.
