Arsenal leapfrog Bayern Munich in race for Tottenham, Man Utd target after talks dramatically collapse

Arsenal have entered the race for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya after talks between Bayern Munich and the Bees reportedly collapsed.

Raya featured in all of Brentford’s 38 Premier League matches last season as his side finished with the fifth-best defensive record in the Premier League.

The goalkeeper has just one year remaining on his current contract and has no interest in signing an extension. As a result, the Bees are keen to sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

There is certainly no shortage of interest in Raya, either. Tottenham and Manchester United have previously been linked with the 27-year-old. But Bayern Munich were thought to be leading the race.

However, in a dramatic twist, negotiations between Brentford and the Bundesliga giants are now off. This was revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

On Twitter, he wrote: “After a new meeting earlier today, talks between FC Bayern and Brentford for David Raya are collapsing.

“The deal is currently off Bayern offered loan + option deal — rejected by both player & Brentford.”

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Arsenal make their move for David Raya

According to another reputed transfer journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal have now set their sights on signing Raya this summer. The player would be happy to join the Gunners, too.

On Twitter, Ornstein said: “Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

“No bid yet but Brentford are aware of their interest. The 27-year-old is keen to join Arsenal.”

Arsenal’s current second-choice goalkeeper Matt Turner is reportedly being considered by Nottingham Forest as ‘one of two planned goalkeeping additions.

As a result, Mikel Arteta could be forced into signing a new shot-stopper and Raya seems to be his target of choice.

When asked about the Spaniard’s potential exit, Brentford manager Thomas Frank said: “It’s natural that he would like to leave the club if it’s a good opportunity for him.

“We all think it’s a good idea at the right price. That means going towards that and focusing on the other keepers we have.”

Despite the Spaniard having just one year remaining on his contract, he will not come cheap.

Reports suggest Brentford have slapped a £40m price tag on Raya, so Arsenal will have to stump up a sizeable fee to get a deal over the line.

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