According to reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, goalie David Raya of Brentford is considering a move to Arsenal this summer since his talks to join Bayern Munich have reportedly come to a halt.
Who will Arsenal acquire subsequently?
At the Emirates Stadium, both sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have been very busy this summer strengthening the team’s most important positions.
To the satisfaction of its supporters, Arsenal has already signed three high-profile players: versatile defender Jurrien Timber, star midfielder Declan Rice, and Germany international Kai Havertz.
Havertz signed a £65 million transfer from Chelsea, while Timber arrived from Ajax for about £38 million. Rice, an ex-West Ham hero, signed a club-record £105 million transfer to Arsenal.
Rice will significantly bolster Arteta’s midfield, and Arteta praised his serious caliber shortly after his team announced the acquisition.
Declan joining us is something we’re very excited about, added Arteta.
He is a footballer of extraordinary talent who has been representing England and the Premier League at a high level for a number of seasons. Declan is undoubtedly providing quality to the team, and as an excellent player, he has a lot of potential for success.
Declan, who is only 24 years old, has extensive Premier League experience. He has led a highly talented West Ham club, and as we have all seen, he recently won a European championship. We are quite happy that he is joining us because of the responsibilities and position he has assumed.
After spending more than £200 million so far, it has been suggested that Arsenal will concentrate on player sales for the foreseeable future; nevertheless, unexpected rumors in the last two days imply they have now entered the market for a new custodian.
Renowned journalist Romano, who posted his own news about their recent connections to Raya of Brentford on Twitter, echoes this.
“David Raya prefers Arsenal move over Bayern,” wrote the journalist.
“Deal depends on clubs now but Arsenal expected to bid soon in order to accelerate talks.
“Negotiations with Bayern are currently off after loan offered in the morning — not what player/Brentford wanted.”
David Raya: How excellent is he?
According to WhoScored, the Spaniard stood out as one of Brentford’s top 90 performers in the Premier League last season.
Raya played in every game for Thomas Frank’s team in 2022–2023, contributing more league minutes than any other player (according to WhoScored).
Frank praised his shot-stopper’s “extremely aggressive” style of play when the 27-year-old received his first-ever call-up to the Spain team last year.
If you don’t have any setbacks, you can’t develop a strong mentality, according to Frank.
“I know setbacks are different to a lot of people, but he clearly deserves this because of his clear and evident qualities in terms of playing with his feet, high position, very aggressive stance, and looking for crosses.”
If Raya joins Arsenal, he would be a strong competitor for the team’s starting berth against Aaron Ramsdale, who is now the first choice.