Transfer Centre

Brentford 'to turn down Arsenal's opening David Raya bid'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 August 2023

Brentford will reject Arsenal's opening offer for goalkeeper David Raya, which is short of their £40m asking price, according to a report.

Brentford will reportedly reject Arsenal's opening offer for goalkeeper David Raya.

The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the Bees during the summer transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur thought to be close to signing him earlier in the market.

Spurs ultimately cooled their interest, while a potential move to Bayern Munich has also broken down, with the Bundesliga champions looking to initially sign the Spain international on loan.

Arsenal have now emerged as the favourites for Raya, with the Gunners allegedly believing that he would provide the perfect competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank recently said that his club would be looking for around £40m for their first-choice stopper, who only has 11 months left to run on his contract.

Brentford's David Raya on May 20, 2023 © Reuters

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have made an opening offer for the Spaniard, but the bid will be rejected, as Brentford are not prepared to drop their valuation.

Raya was in impressive form for the Bees during the 2022-23 campaign, keeping 12 clean sheets in 47 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard played every minute of his side's 2022-23 Premier League season, producing 12 shutouts, with his form key to Frank's side finishing ninth in the table.

Raya came through the youth system at Cornella before making the move to Blackburn Rovers, and he turned out on 108 occasions for the club before joining Brentford in 2019.

Brentford's David Raya celebrates after the match on January 14, 2023 © Reuters

The Spaniard has now played 161 matches for his current side, including 62 appearances in the Premier League, keeping 20 clean sheets in England's top flight.

At this stage, it is unclear whether Arsenal are prepared to go closer to £40m for a player who would initially be brought in as a substitute, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claiming that the offer is only for around £20m plus £3m in add-ons.

The Gunners have already spent big money this summer on Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has said that there will be increased pressure on Mikel Arteta's side due to their transfer activity.

Arsenal are currently preparing to take on Man City in the Community Shield on Sunday, before opening their 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest on August 12.