Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal and he is keen on a move to the Emirates.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are now expected to send in a bid of about £40 million in order to secure his signature.
The Italian journalist also indicates that Brentford have been informed that David Raya is also prepared to join Arsenal.
The Premier League runners up got into pole position to sign Raya after Brentford rejected Bayern Munich offer for their shot-stopper.
It has been reported that the Bees rejected the bid, after the Bavarian giants offered to sign David Raya initially on loan with the option to sign him permanently.
Would the move of David Raya to Arsenal make Aaron Ramsdale become the second choice goalkeeper?
Due to speculations spreading like wildfire concerning the Spanish goalies move to North London, there was a need for the position of Aaron Ramsdale to be spelt out.
However, it is said that Raya would not replace Ramadale as No 1, but he would come in to provide competition for the Englishman.
Reports indicate that the Spaniard would be a consistent feature for Arsenal in cup competitions.
David Raya was excellent for Brentford last season, helping the club to a 9th-placed finish in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old made 38 league appearances last season, keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets in total.
Mikel Arteta is determined to sign Raya due to the uncertainty regarding the future of deputy goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The American has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, who are in search of a goalkeeper following the return of Kaylor Navas and Dean Henderson to their parent clubs.
The Bees have put a valuation of £40 million for David Raya but Arsenal are holding out for a fee closer to £30 million.
Brentford signed Raya from Blackburn Rovers on the 6th of July, 2019 for a fee of €3.35 million and should they sell him for their asking price, they would be making an over 200% profit.
Thomas Frank reiterates Raya’s valuation
The manager of Brentford, Thomas Frank has also spoken about the Spaniard’s valuation and he maintained his stance on the £40 million asking price.
He said: “I would love to get £40m. He was one of the four best keepers in the Premier League last season.”
The Gunners have been interested in acquiring the services of David Raya even before signing Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in August, 2021.
Should he make that switch to the Emirates, he will become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer.
The North London side have already signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this summer and they are making needed preparations ahead of the coming season.
Raya would also fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans, giving his ball retention and ball distribution abilities.
His current deal with Brentford will expire in the summer of 2024 and he has been courted by many top clubs around Europe.
David Raya has made 161 appearances in total for Brentford, with 62 of those being in the Premier League and he has amassed an impressive 20 clean sheets in the top-flight of English football.
