Arsenal last night submitted a bid worth £20 million plus £3 million in add-ons for Brentford keeper David Raya, which could see rejection.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal submitted a £20 million plus £3 million bid for David Raya on Thursday night. Brentford have a huge valuation of £40 million for the Spanish international, meaning they might knock back the offer.
Arsenal are making waves in the transfer market, and Mikel Arteta is far from done with his incoming business. After securing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber early in the window, the Gunners were then expected to see out outgoings.
They have managed a few in Granit Xhaka and Auston Trusty. But the club’s core of players for sale remain. At the start of this week, David Ornstein of The Athletic broke the news about Arsenal’s interest in David Raya, which surprised a few.
The big question was whether Arsenal needed such an unwanted conundrum, considering they have one of the most stable goalkeeping pair. It is unclear whether Arteta wanted Raya to replace Aaron Ramsdale as things stood, but that may become possible.
EXCL: Arsenal have submitted opening bid for David Raya to Brentford tonight. The proposal is worth £20m fixed fee plus £3m add-ons 🚨🔴⚪️ #AFC
Raya told Brentford that he wants the move as personal terms are already agreed. pic.twitter.com/PyEfro0tIu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2023
Ramsdale has been a steady presence in goal since signing two years ago. He had his dips last season, which may or may not have cost Arsenal the title. Raya was one of Arteta’s primary goalkeeping objectives a year before Ramsdale joined. The Gunners are now sensing a market opportunity more than anything.
Raya’s stats showed he was better in some aspects. But Ramsdale has many years over the Spaniard to reach those levels. Tottenham were also interested in the £40 million-rated keeper earlier but refused to pay the asking price.
If the conditions are feasible, Arsenal have the cash to make this ‘opportunistic’ signing. The Gunners have lodged their first bid for Raya, worth a reported £20 million plus £3 million in add-ons. The Spaniard reportedly agreed on personal terms, which could ease the way for the north Londoners to negotiate with Brentford.
The Bees feel they are in a strong position and may reject this proposal out of hand. Arsenal could return with a fresh offer in the coming days. But ideally, they would want the deal wrapped up before the season begins. In truth, Arteta may not need this keeper right now, but Raya represents an upgrade over Ramsdale in many aspects.
Also Read: Do Arsenal need that unwanted goalkeeping upgrade with David Raya?
The general feeling is that a deal could materialise midway through the valuations of both clubs. Hence, it won’t surprise anyone if Arsenal agrees to pay £30 million all-inclusive for the Spanish international.