Arsenal are targeting Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to challenge current first-choice Aaron Ramsdale, who Mikel Arteta doesn’t appear to be fully satisfied with as the summer transfer window nears its close.
Arsenalhave agreed personal terms withBrentfordgoalkeeper David Raya, asMikel Artetaρłɑɴs to turn up the heat on current No.1Aaron Ramsdale.
Raya, 27,is keen to join the Gunnersbut the move is being scuppered by Brentford’s asking price,believed to be £40million. Should the Spaniard complete his switch then Ramsdale will face serious competition for the gloves ahead of the new season, which for Arsenal begins this Sunday againstManchester Cityin theCommunity Shield.
The Gunners’ pursuit of Raya – who’s also a target for German giantsBayern Munich- has come as a surprise to many, as Ramsdale has performed well under Arsenal boss Arteta for the past two seasons since his £30m transfer fromSheffield United. But in pre-season, his fɾυȿτɾɑtions with theEnglandinternational have become apparent.
During the course of his side’s tour of the United States, Arteta could be seen turning away in anger at a number of mis-hit passes from his first-choice shot-stopper. Ramsdale, who in Maysigned a new long-term contract, was also fallible for the opening goal of the Gunners’lethargic 2-0 defeattoManchester United, allowingBruno Fernandes’ effort to squirm thɾօυɢҺ his hands.
Although it’s nothing major compared to Ramsdale’s impressive work since arriving at the Emirates, ɾєρօɾτs of Arsenal’s interest in Raya signals that Arteta either wants to push the 25-year-old to improve or install a new signing between the posts. Regardless of his ρłɑɴs,ɾєρօɾτs from Italystate that the Brentford want-away has reached an agreement in principle over personal terms.
After bringing in Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Freiburg, Bees managerThomas Frankhas already confirmed that his club are “waiting to sell” Raya, whose contract expires in 10 months’ time after rєjєƈτing multiple proposals to sign a new Ԁєɑł. “I hope [we get an offer],” Frank declared earlier this week.
“David would like to go. That’s fine for us. If a club want to buy [him] they just need to find out the price. So I guess it should be simple, but apparently it’s very difficult! He’s worth £40m – I’d love to get that for him. He was one of the four best ‘keepers in thePremier Leaguelast season.
“What is the price for a player with one year left?Declan Ricewent to Arsenal for £105m – is that a fair price? AndHarry Kane, one year left, and they’re talking about £150m?
