- 17 hours ago
Romano sends Man Utd and Chelsea important Raya contract message
Robin Bairner
- 8 Apr 2023 21:48 BST
- 2 min read
Fabrizio Romano has provided Manchester United and Chelsea with some valuable insight into the situation of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
The Spaniard has caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League with the Bees and has earned himself links to some of the Premier League’s leading sides, with Tottenham also credited with an interest in the player as they seek a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.
Man Utd and Chelsea, meanwhile, are both monitoring the market for shot-stoppers, with the situation at both clubs unresolved.
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Raya wants summer transfer
Raya has opened the door for all three teams, but it will take a sizeable bid to release the 27-year-old from Thomas Frank’s side, according to Romano.
“I can confirm that Raya will not sign a new contract with Brentford. They’ve spoken to him two or three times but he’s not accepting anything. He wants a new challenge. He hopes to have a top-six move in the Premier League,” the transfer market specialist revealed.
“Let’s see what happens with Chelsea’s goalkeepers. They’re following many goalkeepers around Europe but they have to make a decision on Kepa and on Edouard Mendy. The new coach is going to be important for that.
“For Raya, Brentford’s position is very clear. They want £40 million to let him David Raya leave. This is an important point to understand what will happen. Otherwise Brentford are prepared to fight to try to keep Raya.”
With a contract that expires in 2024, Brentford risk losing the goalkeeper for nothing in little over 12 months if the player is neither transferred nor signs a new deal.
Born in Barcelona, Raya has played the entirety of his professional football career in England. He completed his training at Blackburn, where he went on to play nearly 100 league matches, before moving to Brentford in 2019.
Raya now appears destined for a very big club indeed, although his exact destination appears to be rest on circumstances outside of his control.
