According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Brentford have held a new round of talks for the transfer of David Raya. The 27-year-old Spanish international wants a move to North London and replace Nottingham Forest-bound Matt Turner.
Arsenal are dead serious about their intentions for the upcoming season. The club wants to leave no stone unturned in their quest for superiority. Having started the summer window solidly with the transfers of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien TImber, they are now behind David Raya.
Mikel Arteta will look to trim his bloated squad and sell some unwanted players; the goalkeeping position will also see Matt Turner leave. Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid for the USMNT No.1 and is inching closer to finalising the move.
David Ornstein broke the news of the Raya interest, which has taken many fans by surprise. Whether he is an upgrade over Aaron Ramsdale is something we analysed in depth. The 27-year-old Spanish international could bring massive competition to the England international.
The Gunners tabled a £23 million bid including add-ons last week. But as per Ornstein, there is only a minor gap in valuations between the two clubs. Raya was previously linked with Tottenham, but the North Londoners did not want to pay what Brentford asked.
The price must have dipped as the window progressed, and Arsenal viewed this as an opportunistic signing than a necessity. Arteta held an interest in signing the keeper before he brought in Ramsdale. Fabrizio Romano insists the two clubs have held fresh talks to find a breakthrough.
There is a growing expectation that a fee between £25-30 million would suffice. Raya would come in as a great addition to this Progressive Arsenal side. Arteta likes his goalkeepers to play well with their feet. The 27-year-old Spanish international is one of the best in the business in that regard.
For now, Arsenal will likely agree a move for Matt Turner to leave and then bring in Raya as a replacement. The 27-year-old will improve the goalkeeping position at the Gunners. He is unlikely to start the season as their No.1, with Ramsdale firmly settled in that role.
