Arsenal 'considering move for Brentford's David Raya'

The 27-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with the Spain international said to be looking for a move away from the Bees during the summer transfer window.

Bayern Munich have recently been heavily linked with the stopper, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a potential switch to Allianz Arena has broken down.

Romano claims that Bayern wanted to take Raya on loan for the 2023-24 campaign with the option of making the deal permanent, but Brentford rejected the bid.

As it stands, a move to Munich is off, which has allegedly led to Arsenal registering an interest in a player who only has another 11 months left to run on his contract at the Brentford Community Stadium.

According to The Athletic, the Gunners are currently exploring a move for the Spaniard, but there has not yet been any contact from the North London giants.

Mikel Arteta's side are believed to want genuine competition for current number one goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who impressed for the club during the 2022-23 campaign.

Raya is believed to favour a move to Arsenal over Bayern, with the stopper looking to remain in the Premier League following his success at Brentford.

The Spaniard joined the Bees from Blackburn Rovers in 2019, and he has represented his current side on 161 occasions in all competitions, including 62 Premier League outings.

Raya was in excellent form for Thomas Frank's side last term, keeping 12 clean sheets in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The goalkeeper played every minute of Brentford's 2022-23 Premier League season, keeping 12 clean sheets, with his form key to the Bees claiming ninth position in the table.

Raya came through the youth system at Cornella before making the move to Blackburn in 2012, representing the club at youth level before debuting in 2014.

Arsenal have already made three signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, and the club's head coach Arteta recently reiterated the importance of trimming the squad during the current window.