David Raya poised for move to Arsenal from Brentford

Arsenal have agreed a deal with Brentford for Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Raya impressed last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 38 Premier League matches.

The 27-year-old joined the Bees from Blackburn Rovers in 2019 and has produced some excellent performances.

His ability has not gone unnoticed, with Raya receiving call-ups for the Spanish national team, donning the La Roja jersey twice. 

With only 12 months remaining on his contract with Brentford, the keeper wanted to leave. Tottenham Hotspur were linked with him, but they signed Guglielmo Vicario, allowing Arsenal to swoop in. 

Negotiations culminated in an agreement hovering around the £30 million mark. The price is considerably less than the initial £40m asking price from the Bees that forced Spurs to look elsewhere. 

Raya was at Wembley Stadium during Arsenal’s Community Shield encounter with Manchester City last Sunday. 

His arrival will fuel the competition for Arsenal’s number-one spot ahead of the new season.

Raya will set his sights on dethroning Aaron Ramsdale from his status as Arsenal’s first choice.

Last season saw Ramsdale take over from Bernd Leno, but he may be usurped by Raya after some gaffes late last season.

Arsenal’s back-up goalie Matt Turner is poised to join Nottingham Forest, forcing the Gunners to sign a new shot-stopper.

Bayern Munich considered Raya with Yann Sommer set to leave and join Inter Milan, but he had his heart set on Arsenal.

He will ink a five-year deal with the club, pending a medical assessment.