Arsenal are preparing to bid £20 million plus £3 million in add-ons for Brentford keeper David Raya, with the offer expected to be rejected immediately as the Bees continue to demand £40 million.
- Arsenal want to sign David Raya to provide back-up for Aaron Ramsdale
- The Gunners are now expected to expected to ramp up their bid to sign Raya
- Brentford value the goalkeeper at £40m but Arsenal want to pay around £30m
Arsenal has made a £20 million bid for Brentford keeper David Raya, with a further £3 million in add-ons. The bid will almost certainly be rejected.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard signed personal terms with the Gunners.
‘Understand David Raya has reached a deal in principle with Arsenal on personal terms,’ he tweeted.
‘Brentford have been notified by the player side that he wishes to join Arsenal — and talks between clubs regarding the formula/price are now anticipated to quicken.’
Raya is being pursued by Arsenal as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal are preparing to bid £20 million plus £3 million in add-ons for Brentford keeper David Raya.
The Gunners are frontrunners after Brentford rejected Bayern Munich’s offer of a loan deal with the option to sign Raya permanently.
It is understood Raya would not replace Ramsdale as No 1, but would be used in cup competitions and provide greater competition for the England international.
Mikel Arteta is said to be concerned about his backup keeper Matt Turner, who has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest.
Raya, who turns 28 next month, is valued at £40 million by Brentford, while Arsenal wants closer to £30 million.
‘I would want to receive £40 million,’ said manager Thomas Frank of his keeper. Last season, he was one of the four top keepers in the Premier League.
‘Harry Kane is said to be worth more than £100 million. So it’s reasonable for a keeper at his prime.’
Raya has been a target for Arsenal since before they bought Ramsdale from Sheffield United in 2021.
Raya, who has excellent distribution, fits Mikel Arteta’s style of play perfectly.
The Gtech Community Stadium keeper has one year left on his contract and is anticipated to leave this summer.
Raya, who has been capped twice by Spain, played every league game for Brentford last season.
