David Raya (Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Arsenal have targeted Brentford star David Raya ahead of the new campaign to bolster their goalkeeping department.
The report suggests that the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is willing to allow Emiliano Martinez leave in search of first-team opportunities. Spanish outfits Real Betis and Valencia are leading the race for the Argentine and he could be on his way out.
And the manager has identified Raya as a replacement for Martinez ahead of next season. The Spaniard could be on his way to North London this summer.
Born in Spain, Raya qualifies as a homegrown talent in England as he came through the ranks of Blackburn Rovers’ youth system. After spending a month on loan with Stockport, he returned to the Madjeski Stadium and went on to make 108 appearances for the Royals.
His impressive performances earned him a move to Griffin Park last summer and Raya was one of the key players who helped the Bees reach the final of the Championship playoffs. In 46 games last season, he conceded just 38 goals and managed to keep 16 clean sheets.
Raya has been in sensational form for Brentford last season as he kept the most number of clean sheets alongside Millwall’s Bartosz Bialkowski.
Bern Leno has been the Gunners’ first-choice shot-stopper since his arrival. The German was at a very important presence in goal for Arsenal until he was left on the sidelines due to a major injury. Second-choice goalkeeper Martinez did well in Leno’s absence.
The Argentine was one of the reasons for Arsenal’s better defensive record in the last few weeks of the league. He was also brilliant in the FA Cup final against Chelsea and won them the title.
However, Martinez is likely to be pushed to the No.2 spot with Leno’s return to the squad. And he could force a move out of the club for regular game time. Thus, the Gunners need to bring in a goalkeeper in the summer.
In that regard, Raya would be a viable option for the club. The Spaniard has been in sensational form and at 24, has a lot to offer at a higher level. He has immense experience in English football and could be an understudy to Leno at Arsenal. At the same time, he is also capable of fighting for the first-choice spot. He would be a perfect replacement for Martinez.
At 24, Raya seems to be at the right time of life to take a huge stride into the Premier League. At the same time, the Gunners are also in need of in-form goalkeepers with Martinez’s future in doubt. And the Spaniard could provide Arsenal with some much-needed depth and quality in the goalkeeping department. Thus, they should manage to lure him to Emirates at the earliest.
