Thomas Frank expects Brentford goalkeeper and rumoured Arsenal target David Raya will soon be considered among the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers, via talkSPORT.
Raya has enjoyed a strong start to life as a top-flight ‘keeper after helping the Bees secure promotion last season. The Spaniard has kept three clean sheets over seven appearances so far to six goals conceded, including shutting Arsenal out.
Jarrod Bowen denied Raya a fourth clean sheet on Sunday after drilling a low effort into his bottom-right corner. But the 26-year-old made some crucial saves during a 2-1 win at West Ham, including a stunning sprawling effort to turn Vladimir Coufal’s strike away.
Raya had already impressed in the Championship with Brentford to earn Arsenal’s interest. The Daily Mail even reported last year that Raya was prepared to hand in a transfer request to move to north London. But promotion ended hopes of a deal this summer, per The Sun.
Yet Arsenal remain keen on the Brentford star and could target Raya if Bernd Leno leaves, the Daily Mail report. But Mikel Arteta should expect a lot of resistance, as Frank has no doubt in the £25k-a-week stopper’s ability.
“Raya, I think, it can’t be that long before he will be acknowledged for his performances so far in the Premier League,” Frank said. “I think he’s definitely one of the better goalkeepers in the Premier League.”
Is Arsenal target and Brentford goalie Raya among the Premier League’s best?
Arsenal may struggle to convince Raya to leave Brentford for the Emirates Stadium to serve as Aaron Ramsdale’s understudy. He is thriving in the Premier League under Frank and will want to continue playing consistent top-flight games.
His efforts against West Ham on Sunday also only added to the reasons why the Spaniard deserves a key role. He stood strong to several strikes in producing a calm and composed display between the sticks at the London Stadium.
Raya also made a superb save to deny Diogo Jota as Brentford drew 3-3 with Liverpool, and could not do much about the ones conceded. Arsenal will additionally admire how he has stayed alert when rarely threatened in games, but may struggle to lure him from Brentford.
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