Arsenal are hoping to sign Spain international David Raya from Premier League rivals Brentford in a £40million transfer - with the new season just around the corner
Aaron Ramsdale’s Arsenal future is in doubt
Aaron Ramsdale could be questioning his future after Arsenal agreed personal terms with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners are close to signing Raya, 27, from Brentford in a £40million deal. The proposed transfer has shocked Arsenal fans, as the Spain international will have no interest in being Ramsdale’s No.2 at the Emirates after a good spell with the Bees.
Ramsdale, 25, knows Raya wants his No.1 jersey. The Englishman admitted as much during a podcast appearance earlier this year when he explained why Leandro Trossard, who joined Arsenal in January, would not accept being one of Mikel Arteta’s squad players.
The idea of Ramsdale losing his spot at Arsenal was unthinkable a few months ago after two impressive seasons at the Emirates. Yet the former Sheffield United star could find his minutes limited this coming season if Raya becomes an Arsenal player.
Ramsdale explained how transfers work on The Fellas podcast. He said: “Trossard’s coming in to take someone’s place, in his head… it might look like he’s coming to be part of the squad. But deep down, like I was with [Bernd] Leno, I’ve come to take Leno’s place.
“He’s come in to take one of the front three players’ place. So if you start saying, ‘Oh by the way, we’ve signed Trossard’ - before it happens - one of the front three might go, ‘Hang on a minute?’”
With that in mind, Ramsdale may now be considering a transfer of his own. He still has three years remaining on his contract with the option of a further year. Alternatively, he may decide to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place in Arteta’s starting XI.
David Raya could take Ramsdale’s spot at Arsenal (
Image:
Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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There are rumours that Arteta is no longer happy with Ramsdale as his No.1 following Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States. The Gunners boss was seen turning away in anger at some mis-hit passes from the England international.
It now seems only a matter of time before the Raya deal is agreed. Brentford manager Thomas Frank has even given the green light for Raya to leave his squad. “I hope [we get an offer], we are waiting to sell,” Frank said earlier this week. “David would like to go.
“That’s fine for us. If a club want to buy [him] they just need to find out the price. I guess it should be simple, but apparently it’s very difficult! He’s worth £40m, I’d love to get that for him. He was one of the four best ‘keepers in the Premier League last season.
“What is the price for a player with one year left [on his contract]? Declan Rice went to Arsenal for £105m - is that a fair price? And Harry Kane, one year left, and they’re talking about £150m Anyway, it’s not up to me. It’s always complicated. Two sides of the coin when it comes to negotiations and we meet somewhere in the middle.”
Raya and Ramsdale will both want their futures resolved before the start of the Premier League season. Arsenal’s opening game is against Nottingham Forest at home on August 12. They also take on Manchester City in the Community Shield this Sunday.
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