Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal decided to end their pursuit of David Raya and signed Aaron Ramsdale in the summer transfer window, and now Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has raved about him.
Arsenal interest
The Sun reported in May 2021 that Arsenal had been chasing Raya since the summer of 2020.
The Gunners were planning to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper for £10 million in the summer of 2021.
Why for £10 million?
Because, according to the report, that was his release contract in the contract in the event of the Bees not getting promoted from the Championship.
The Sun added that it was Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Ryan who wanted manager Mikel Arteta to bring in Raya.
However, once Brentford won promotion to the Premier League, Arsenal decided to end their pursuit of the former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper.
Why?
Again, according to The Sun, Arsenal realised that they would have to pay more than £10 million for Raya.
The North London club eventually signed Ramsdale from Sheffield United for £24 million.
Jurgen Klopp praise
Raya was in action for Brentford in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League this past weekend.
The 26-year-old conceded three goals, but his performance and ability to pass from the back was hailed by none other than Liverpool manager Klopp.
BBC Sport quotes Klopp as saying about Raya: “The goalkeeper could have the shirt with number 10. He played a few incredible balls but it was the right thing to do against us today.”
Future Arsenal transfer?
Ramsdale and Bernd Leno are the two main goalkeepers at Arsenal, who do not need to bring in another player between the posts right now.
However, there is speculation that the Gunners are open to selling Leno in January or next summer.
If the German leaves Arsenal, then there would be space in the squad for Raya.
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