31 July 2023 , 09:06
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Arsenal have been told to cough-up for David Raya after breaking their transfer record for Declan Rice.
The Gunners are considering a move for the Brentford goalkeeper as part of a slight switch between the sticks in North London. The Spaniard would potentially replace American Matt Turner, who has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
Bayern Munich were initially linked with a swoop for Raya, only for talks between themselves and Brentford to falter. Manchester United and Tottenham were also admirers earlier in the window but signed Andre Onana and Guglielmo Vicari respectively.
That has left the door open for Arsenal, but Brentford boss Frank has been forthright in his view on a deal. He has confirmed that the Bees will only sell should their asking price be met.
Speaking after his side’s 3-3 pre-season draw with Aston Villa, the Dane said: "All the links, all the hustle and bustle, and if it gets done we'll know it. I don't know too much.
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"I am not dealing with it... like everything it is a negotiation. I would love to get £40m. He was one of the four best keepers in the Premier League last season.
" Declan Rice had one year left and was sold for £105m. Harry Kane is being spoken of as £100m+. So for a keeper, at his best age [it's fair]. Good thing I am not negotiating!"
Thomas Frank has revealed Brentford's price for David Raya (Getty Images)Would David Raya be a good signing for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Meanwhile, Frank has not totally ruled out Raya staying in West London should the Bees’ asking price not be met over the final month of the transfer window. He added: "We all want as many good players as possible and competition. If he stays, then we have two very good keepers."
It is not the first time that Frank has offered an insight into Raya’s future. He has already admitted that it is an “open secret” that the Bees would be willing to sell at the right price.
They have already bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of Dutch international Mark Flekken from Freiburg. Should Arsenal seal a deal for Raya, he would become their fourth signing of the summer.
It has already been a hectic window for the Gunners having already spent around £200m on the likes of Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. The Spanish goalkeeper might not be the final arrival at the Emirates Stadium either.
The Gunners have also been linked with Timber’s former Ajax teammate Mohammed Kudus, although Chelsea are also interested in the forward. Plenty could also leave Arsenal before the end of the window as they attempt to rebalance the books.
Granit Xhaka has already been sold and could be followed out of the exit door by Folarin Balogun, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric Soares, among others.