According to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean, David Raya has told Brentford he wants to join Arsenal. The goalkeeper is open to a move to Emirates this summer as the club prepare themselves for life without Emiliano Martinez. Brentford, however, are not even willing to negotiate any deal regarding Raya and are not willing to sell the keeper this summer.
David Raya: Player Profile
A product of the Blackburn youth academy, Raya joined Brentford last summer for a fee of €3.3 million. He was brought in to replace Daniel Bentley, who, in turn, switched to Bristol City.
Raya didn’t take much time settling in at Griffin Park, becoming a first-choice goalkeeper for the Bees right from the start. He featured in all of the league matches, and though Brentford didn’t have the most polished defence among top Championship sides, he still managed to preserve 16 clean sheets.
The Spaniard averaged 2.3 saves per game, with his overall tally of 113 saves being the seventh highest in the Championship. His save percentage of 73.9% was also the fifth highest in the league, making him one of the best performing goalkeepers of the 2019/20 Championship campaign.
Raya’s contributions in between the sticks were crucial in helping Brentford push for promotion, although they did get beaten by Fulham in the final and that may impact the goalkeeper’s future at Griffin Park.
How Does Raya Fit In At Arsenal?
Arsenal are facing a delicate situation in the goalkeeping department this summer. Their second choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez apparently wants to leave and is not willing to play second fiddle to Bernd Leno, following an incredible run of form during the backend of last season.
The Argentine has already been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Leeds United this summer. His potential departure could create a massive void in the goalkeeping unit, with Arsenal lacking any reliable alternatives to Leno. That is where Raya comes into the fray.
The Brentford goalkeeper can provide some much-needed cover for Leno.
Judging by the manner Martinez was used, he may even get a chance to become Arsenal’s main cup goalkeeper, though excluding the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League.
Much like the Argentine, Raya will be hoping to earn a breakthrough and become a sought-after goalkeeper in the Premier League rather than relying on his performances in the Championship next season. He will also get to play at the highest level of football, something Brentford can’t offer at the moment.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored & FBRef
