Arsenal are set to confirm the signing of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya imminently as Mikel Arteta continues to bolster his squad this summer.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has confirmed David Raya’s transfer to Arsenal. The Spaniard is on the verge of becoming a Gunners player on an initial loan with an option to make the move permanent for £27million,football.londonunderstands.
Raya’s family and agents have been spotted at the EmiratesStadium watching Arsenal’s 2-1 win overNottingham Forest on Saturday – suggesting the Gunners are set to announce the signing of the Spain international very soon.
Raya’s agent, Jaume Munell, posted a picture of himself stood in front of the Arsenal badge at London Colney on his Instagram page earlier this week. Arsenal have already signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this summer but are hoping to add another midfielder, right-back and goalkeeper to Mikel Arteta’s squad before the transfer window closes.
Speaking ahead of Brentford’s clash against Tottenham this afternoon, Frank told Sky Sports: “Of course it is a challenge. We lose our best striker and one of our best players. and we lose a fantastic goalkeeper in David two of our best players in the last two or three years.”
Raya had just 11 months left on his current contract at theGtech Community Stadium and is saidto have already agreed personal terms with the Gunners – along with completing a medical earlier this week. Matt Turner’s £10million move to Nottingham Forest this week opened up space in Arteta’s squad for Raya’s arrival and he is expected to seriously challenge Aaron Ramsdale for a starting spot in the team.
Arteta rarely gives anything away when asked about Arsenal potentially making a move for players linked during the transfer window and the Spaniard’s response was no different when he was quizzed about possible interest in Raya. “You know I’m not gonna talk about any player, that’s not here sorry,” he responded when quizzed on the prospect of signing the Bees ‘keeper earlier this month.
