Thomas Frank explains what will happen with Raya at Arsenal – ‘It will not be a loan in the future’
Thomas Frank expects goalkeeper David Raya to complete a permanent move to Arsenal next summer and has not ruled out a return to Brentford in the future.
The Spain international completed a temporary switch to the Emirates Stadium last week for a £3million loan fee, with the option to make a permanent deal next year for £27m.
Arsenal have been keen on the 27-year-old for some time and he will now compete with Aaron Ramsdale to be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Brentford have signed Mark Flekken as his replacement.
Flekken started the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on the opening day of the Premier League season and will retain the gloves for the short trip to face near-neighbours Fulham on Saturday.
Asked about Raya’s loan move, Frank said: “I think that this is a deal that will be complete in the future.
“I think it will not be a loan in the future, that is my feeling and understanding because I don’t think it makes sense to go there on loan where there is big competition for the number one spot.
“Of course I back him, I think he is a fantastic keeper, maybe I’m slightly biased but I think he is a very good keeper.”
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Former Premier League goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel and Shay Given have questioned the logic of Arsenal adding someone of Raya’s ability to fight against Ramsdale – but Frank feels it can be a positive thing.
He said: “I think the right person to answer those questions is Arteta!
“But I think in general it is good for competition, I prefer competition as well. Also, in seven or eight positions as well that if people know if they are performing, they are playing.
“It is engrained, embedded into the culture of football that if you don’t perform you are out of the team but it is also important that some players know that if they do well, they will play – even if they have one or two errors.”
Despite his belief that Raya will join the Gunners on a permanent basis next year, Frank did not accept suggestions the former Blackburn stopper had played his last game for the Bees.
“In football you never know, I learned that,” he added.
“You can never say never until it is a definite. Even if it was not a loan deal but a direct sell then you never know what happens, maybe he is coming back in the future – but it is most likely (that he will not play for Brentford again).”
Brentford finished one place and seven points clear of Fulham last season, losing 3-2 at Craven Cottage and winning the home fixture by the same scoreline.
The two west London clubs also met in the pre-season Summer Series, Fulham again winning 3-2, with Frank expecting another entertaining clash on Saturday.
“Most likely it is going to be a 3-2 game tomorrow, hopefully with us coming out on top that would be nice,” he said.
“We are going up against Fulham, take the two league games and this friendly, three very even games between two good teams. Marco Silva and his staff have done a top job, I like the way Fulham play.
“I can’t wait to play them, it is a big game for us and the fans. It will be difficult away but we will do our best.”
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