David Raya to Arsenal transfer: Personal terms ‘agreed’, Brentford to ‘reject’ bid, Mikel Arteta’s response

Arsenal are still pushing for a deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

The Gunners have already strengthened significantly this summer, splashing out more than £200million to sign Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai havertz. Mikel Arteta is determined to lead his men to a Premier League title after coming close last season, and Arsenal’s squad is now bursting at the seems with quality, but further incomings could yet arrive.

Brentford keeper Raya is being heavily linked, with Arteta wanting better competition for Aaron Ramsdale, and here we round up all the latest on the possible transfer.

Bid latest

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are now expected to make a bid worth £20million plus £3million in add-ons for Raya.

It’s claimed the offer is going to be swiftly rejected by Brentford, who are said to want as much as £40million for their starting goalkeeper. The report claims the Gunners are willing to pay up to £30million, but Brentford, who are savvy on the business front, are said to be likely to hold out for the figure they want.

Given Arsenal already have a starting keeper in Ramsdale, it will be interesting to see whether they are willing to stretch to such a high fee in the name of competition between the sticks.

Raya ‘wants’ move

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Raya is said to be on board with a move if a deal can be reached with Brentford.

Romano tweeted: “Understand David Raya has reached an agreement in principle with Arsenal on personal terms.

“Brentford have been informed by player side that he wants to join Arsenal — and talks between clubs over formula/price are now expected to accelerate.”

What Arteta has said

Despite talk of bids for Raya, Arteta has remained coy on the possibility of signing the Bees goalkeeper.

Asked about the possible transfer, Arteta has responded: “You know that I’m not going to talk about any player that is not here, I’m sorry.”

The response is part of a typical policy in football of not discussing players who have not yet been signed. It’s likely the Spaniard will have plenty to say on Raya should the transfer go through.