THOMAS FRANK has told Arsenal to pay the big bucks for keeper David Raya – just like they did to land Declan Rice for a club record £105million.
The future of Gunners No.1 Aaron Ramsdale is now under serious threat with manager Mikel Arteta wanting major competition in goal this season.
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Bees shot-stopper Raya, 27, has been valued at £40m with one year left on his contract, and the West London club have already rejected a loan offer from Bayern Munich.
Arsenal are now considering submitting a bid, but Brentford boss Frank has warned the North Londoners against low-balling them – and has ruled out any loan deal.
Frank told the Gunners: “Like everything, it is a negotiation. I would love to get £40m.
“That’s what he’s worth. He’s one of the best keepers, was one of the four best in the Premier League last season, so what is the price?
“What did Declan Rice go for? One year left on his contract and £105million. Is that the price? Is that fair?
“And Harry Kane at Tottenham, you’re talking one year left and £150m.
“Raya is at his best age.
“But, anyway, it is a good thing I am not negotiating.
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“That is for director of football Phil Giles, owner Matthew Benham and Arsenal. I just take care of the coaching.”
Arsenal have targeted Spain international Raya previously in 2021, but missed out on the chance to trigger his £10m release clause after Brentford achieved promotion to the Prem.
Arteta subsequently opted for Ramsdale from Sheffield United for £30m that same summer, but has remained a huge fan of Raya’s technical ability and distribution with his feet.
Now, the Spanish coach could have both to begin the new Premier League campaign, leaving Ramsdale’s position as Arsenal’s first choice – as well as his England spot ahead of the Euros next summer – in major doubt.
Raya was ranked first for the number of Prem saves last season (154) and has a 77 per cent save percentage rate compared to Ramsdale’s 69 per cent.
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Asked whether it is strange that Arsenal want two top keepers vying for the No.1 spot, Frank added: “It depends what you want as a club and as a manager.
“If you want a clear No.1 or two equally good keepers and big competition. You need to ask Arsenal.
“We all want as many good players as possible and competition. We always want that and sometimes you want a little more clarity. If he stays then we also have two very good keepers.”
Spurs were also briefly interested in Raya’s services before signing Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli for £17.2m last month.
Bayern are looking to provide cover for Manuel Neuer, who is still recovering after breaking his leg in a mid-season skiing accident, with Raya seen as a top target before their loan deal was turned down.
On whether he is frustrated Raya’s future is no closer to being resolved, Frank said: “You want players you want to buy in as quickly as possible and players you want to sell out as quick as possible, but it’s never like that.
“We know it’s always complicated, always two sides of the coin and there’s always negotiation. People need to meet somewhere.”
Arsenal’s summer haul will go beyond £250m should they sign Raya for top price, having bought midfielder Rice from West Ham for £105m, attacker Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m and defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £34m.
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