Arsenal Transfers: Gunners targeting shock move for Brentford goalkeeper

Well, well, well. Who had this on their Arsenal summer bingo cards? 

David Raya, eh? Yep, you better believe it. David Ornstein revealed on Sunday afternoon that the Gunenrs are ‘exploring’ a move for the Brentford goalkeeper.

Raya has long been expected to depart the Bees this summer, but Brentford have so far been stubborn with their £40m valuation of the Spaniard, who enjoyed an excellent Premier League campaign last time out.

The likes of Man Utd and Tottenham were linked with Raya at the start of the summer, but both clubs went in different directions. The Spaniard then seemed destined to join Bayern Munich, but Arsenal’s interest has seemingly put a halt to that deal.

Gunners targeting shock move for Brentford goalkeeper

Arsenal’s exploration into a move for Brentford’s number one is curious given Aaron Ramsdale’s standing at the club. Raya may be regarded by some as an equal to the England international, with Mikel Arteta providing stiff competition for his current favourite shot-stopper.

Whether the Gunners match Brentford’s valuation remains to be seen, but Raya is keen on joining the club. However, will the Gunners splurge £40m on Ramsdale competition given their needs higher up the pitch?

Raya is a tremendous goalkeeper who’d add serious quality to the goalkeeper depth chart, and any deal for the Spaniard doesn’t mean Arteta has lost faith in Ramsdale despite his shaky pre-season. However, his place as Arsenal’s undisputed starter certainly won’t be anywhere near secure.

While Matt Turner is a steady shot-stopper, he was never going to usurp Ramsdale between the sticks and Arsenal could part ways with the American after just one year. Nottingham Forest are believed to be interested in signing Turner, but he’ll only depart should the club strike a deal for Raya.

Just when you thought Arsenal were done for a while on the incomings front, eh?