Frank ‘expects’ Raya to ‘complete’ Arsenal move as Brentford prepare for ‘very difficult’ Spurs clash
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has discussed getting the new season underway as David Raya edges closer to joining Arsenal.
The Gunners have reportedly agreed to pay their London counterparts a £3million loan fee and will have the option to buy Raya for £27m at the end of 2023/24.
The Bees accepted these terms despite turning down a similar offer from German champions Bayern Munich, which will frustrate Thomas Tuchel but delight Mikel Arteta.
Raya joins Arsenal to provide Aaron Ramsdale some very fierce competition for the No. 1 shirt.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday morning that the Spanish goalkeeper has completed “the main part” of his Arsenal medical.
He wrote on Twitter: “Understand David Raya completed main part of medical tests as Arsenal player and he’s set to sign shortly.
“Raya will already agree with Arsenal on long term deal until 2028 anticipating a permanent move despite deal being loan with buy option clause for FFP reasons.”
Italian journalist Luca Bendoni – reporting on a Spanish player joining an English club from a domestic rival – claimed later on Friday that Raya has signed his contract and “can be considered an Arsenal player”.
On Raya’s future at Brentford, Frank told reporters on Friday: “I expect the deal to be completed with Arsenal. He is not here at the moment and he won’t be involved on Sunday.”
READ MORE: Raya and Ramsdale next? Five keeper rotations for Arsenal to learn from, including an Invincible
Meanwhile, Frank believes his team will remain “difficult to handle” as they try to continue defying expectations in the Premier League.
Since winning the Championship play-off final in 2021, Frank has masterminded finishes of 13th and ninth in the top flight, outperforming rivals with considerably bigger budgets.
The Bees finished one point and one place behind Sunday’s opponents Tottenham last season and Frank is anticipating a tough game at the Gtech Community Stadium, regardless of whether Harry Kane’s expected transfer to Bayern Munich goes through or not.
“Tottenham are one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Frank said. “They are a very good team with fantastic players.
“They have appointed an exciting coach in Ange (Postecoglou). What he did at Celtic was very impressive, and what he’s trying to do now at Tottenham looks exciting.
“It will be a very, very difficult game, but we also know that we are a good team. We believe in ourselves.
“At home, at the Gtech, we are difficult to handle. We’ll do everything we can to come flying out and attack with aggression.”
Bryan Mbeumo is set to start the season-opener after the Cameroon international recovered from a dead leg suffered in the final pre-season fixture against Lille.
Rico Henry will also be in the starting XI while Frank Onyeka – who was also forced off during the game with Lille – will be assessed before Frank names his squad.
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