David Raya prefers a move to Arsenal over Bayern Munich this summer (Picture: Getty)
Thomas Frank has provided an update on the future of Brentford star David Raya after Arsenal moved ahead of Bayern Munich in the race to sign him.
Arsenal are looking to secure a shock deal to bring in goalkeeper Raya with Mikel Arteta a long-time admirer of his Spanish compatriot.
Bayern Munich had also been linked with the 27-year-old but reports indicate that Raya prefers a move to north London and Arsenal are expected to bid soon to accelerate talks, while negotiations with the German side are now off.
The Gunners already have Aaron Ramsdale as their No.1 goalkeeper – with American Matt Turner acting as an understudy – but Arteta wants to bring in higher quality cover and competition for the the England international.
Raya’s contract with Brentford expires next summer and he has made it clear he will not be renewing his deal, with the west London club keen to cash in ahead of the new season.
They have resolutely stuck to a price tag of £40m, a fee that prompted Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham to back away from talks earlier this summer.
Arsenal are now leading the race to sign him and Brentford boss Frank, asked why Raya was not in the squad to face Aston Villa in a friendly on Sunday and whether it is just a matter of time for the goalkeeper to leave, told NBC Sports: ‘Unfortunately it’s not that easy.
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‘I hope [we get an offer], we are waiting to sell. 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.
‘So I guess it should be simple, but apparently it’s very difficult!’
Brentford, meanwhile, have already signed a replacement for Raya in the shape of Mark Flekken.
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Arsenal are leading the race to sign the goalkeeper…
