Arsenal fall short with £20m offer for Premier League star but receive promising transfer boost

Arsenal’s opening offer for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is expected to be turned down according to David Ornstein.

It recently came to light that Arsenal want to sign Raya as they look to provide Aaron Ramsdale with more competition.

Brentford are happy to sell Raya this summer as the goalkeeper only has one year left to run on his current contract.

The Bees have also signed Mark Flekken from Freiburg to cover the impending loss of Raya.

While Brentford are open to selling the 27-year-old, they will not let him go for less than his market value.

“Brentford expected to turn down opening Arsenal offer for David Raya but proposal is only slightly below what Brentford are seeking + talks continue,” Ornstein revealed on Twitter.

“Both parties want deal for 27yo GK to happen & are now working on finer details.”

While the Gunners’ opening bid is likely to be snubbed, this update does indicate that a deal isn’t too far away.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal’s opening bid was worth £20m plus a further £3m in add-ons.

Earlier in the window, Brentford were said to be holding out for around £40m for the Spanish international, but they might have lowered their asking price since then.

If Arsenal slightly up their opening offer, it might be enough for Brentford to cash in on the 27-year-old.

Raya’s move to Arsenal will also have a knock-on effect for Matt Turner and Nottingham Forest.

Steve Cooper’s side want to sign the Arsenal goalkeeper, but Mikel Arteta wants to bring in Raya before he sanctions Turner’s exit.

“Nottingham Forest submitted an official bid for Matt Turner,” Fabrizio Romano reported.

“Understand the proposal has been made for permanent transfer, talks advancing with Arsenal. Crucial step in goalkeepers domino as Arsenal keep negotiating with Brentford for David Raya, deal getting closer.”

If Arsenal do manage to land a deal for Raya, they will have two top Premier League goalkeepers to choose from.

Ramsdale has developed well since his debut season in North London and Raya will keep him on his toes from the off.

Arsenal have already done some excellent business so far with the additions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. Signing Raya would be the cherry on top.

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