Arsenal are eyeing a move for Brentford star David Raya as questions remain over Bernd Leno’s future at the Emirates Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League giants, Arsenal, are keeping tabs on Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as they search for a new backup shot-stopper.
The Gunners landed English goalie Aaron Ramsdale in the summer transfer window. He has since ousted Bernd Leno as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Ramsdale has also kept two clean sheets in three Premier League games so far and appears to have the club’s confidence going forward. Mikel Arteta is keen to keep both goalkeepers on so that they can push each other.
This will not, however, please Leno, who is currently behind Ramsdale in the form table. The German has had his moments for the Gunners since arriving at the Emirates. But, he has failed to establish himself as a dependable shot-stopper capable of holding the fort.
At 29, Leno is in his prime and is on his day one of the best keepers in the league. He is not keen to play second fiddle and could seek greener pastures elsewhere. Italian giants Inter Milan are interested in his services and could make a move for him in January. Whether the German stays on at the club or not, Arsenal remain keen to add to their goalkeeping options.
A backup goalkeeper is on the agenda, and Raya is one of the names under consideration. The 26-year-old joined Brentford in 2019 and has since established himself as a regular at the Community Stadium. He has since made 103 appearances for the club, keeping 37 clean sheets in the process.
He has kept five clean sheets in six Premier League games this season. The Spaniard’s contract at Brentford runs until 2024. A regular for Thomas Frank, it remains to be seen if Raya will accept a secondary role at the Emirates. More so, Arsenal have a lot to do before they can re-establish themselves as one of the top sides in the league. A move to the Emirates is not without its risks.
An excellent shot-stopper who also can distribute the ball, Raya would be a wise investment for the Gunners. However, the Spaniard has a good thing going at Brentford and, at 26, should not be taking a secondary role elsewhere.
Emiliano Martinez spent several years among the Arsenal reserves. It was only after leaving the Emirates that he made a name for himself. Today he is a regular for Aston Villa and even helped Argentina win the Copa America.
Raya isn’t the only goalkeeper on Arsenal’s radar. Others on the list include Ajax Amsterdam goalie Andre Onana and Barcelona’s Neto. Whether they will eventually land any of them remains to be seen.
