If Arsenal are successful in their attempts to sign David Raya and cash in on Matt Turner it could open the door for one final signing before the summer transfer window closes.
Arsenal are expected to be one of the more active sides as the countdown to transfer deadline day continues.
Despite spєɴԀing just over £200million to recruitKai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice whilst also recouping around £30million by selling Pablo Mari, Granit Xhaka and Auston Trusty, there are plenty more Ԁєɑłs that the Gunners can realistically complete before the window closes on September 1.
At the top of the list would appear to be the signing of David Raya.As ɾєρօɾτed by The Athleticon Friday,Arsenal’sopening offer of £23million was to be rєjєƈτed by Brentford,although according to the Daily Mail, the west London outfit are willing to compromise on their original £40million asking priceand could accept an offer as low as £30million.
If the ɾєρօɾτ is to be believed and the two clubs are around £7million apart in valuation then perhaps the Gunners can raise the cash by selling Matt Turner -who is apparently the subject of a bid from Nottingham Forest- as he’s the obvious casualty if Raya was to arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Admittedly the idea of Arsenal bringing in the Spain international to replace Turnerwhen they already have Aaron Ramsdale on the bookshas sparked a debate amongst supporters on social mediaas well as between our football.london writers, but there is one significant upside – aside from ability – if both Ԁєɑłs are completed.
Having been registered at Blackburn Rovers – a club affiliated to The Football Association – for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons, or 36 months, before his 21st birthday (or the єɴԀ of the season during which he turns 21), Raya counts as a homegrown player with regards to a 25-man Premier League squad.
Crucially, Turner does not and with the Gunners only allowed to name a maximum of 17 overseas players in the squad, the fact they are currently over the limit by three requires plenty of movement in this department and letting the USMNT star depart will go a long way to avoiding a registration issue.
Furthermore, this particular sale along withCedric Soares, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Runar Alex Runarsson all leaving, as expected, one way or another before deadline day would bring the number of overseas players in the squad down to 14. This in turn potentially creates an opening for another additionamid links to Ajax star Mohamed Kudusas he can only be registered as an overseas player if the Gunners beat London rivals Chelsea to his signature.
Although were Raya to join Arsenal he would become one of 13 senior players considered homegrown alongside the likes of Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice which means to adhere toPremier League rules of a 25-man squadanother three Ԁєɑłs must be completed with Arthur Okonkwo and Folarin Balogun among those likely to make way.
