Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilcueta has spoken to Manchester United and Tottenham target David Raya about a potential move across west London instead. The Brentford goalkeeper previously revealed he has already turned down two contract offers with the Bees, and his services look set to be battled over this summer.
Raya is out of contract at the end of next season, and the Spain international is reportedly eager to test himself among Europe’s elite. Both United and Spurs are on the hunt for a new long-term shot-stopper to replace David de Gea and Hugo Llloris respectively.
However, Todd Boehly will also be keen to bring a new ‘keeper to Stamford Bridge, with neither Edouard Mendy nor Kepa Arrizabalaga having done enough to show they are at the level to play regularly for the Blues. Raya has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers this season, with only six teams conceding fewer goals than Thomas Frank’s side.
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However, Brentford’s lofty position in the table, and potential pursuit of a spot in Europe for next campaign, may not be enough to keep the 27-year-old at the Brentford Community Stadium. Azpilicueta is hoping to support the club in the anticipated transfer tussle, as reported by Ben Jacobs in his CaughtOffside column.
The Spanish compatriots will likely have harboured a personal relationship during their exploits with their national side. Both were called up to Luis Enrique's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the Chelsea defender has reportedly been in conversation with the Bees’ No.1 while on international duty.
He added Brentford feel that Raya will depart the club this summer, to avoid him leaving for free in a year’s time. While Chelsea and United’s interest is said to be real, Spurs appear to be more of an onlooker, instead monitoring his status from afar.
Should Raya opt not to take Azpilicueta’s advice, Boehly and co. could instead pursue another Spanish Premier League ‘keeper. Jacobs also reported that Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is a target of Graham Potter, with the pair having worked together at the Amex.
However, like Raya, Sanchez is also said to be a target for Daniel Levy and Spurs. While the need for United and Tottenham to acquire a new goalkeeper appear more urgent, Chelsea will assess their current pair of Kepa and Mendy at the end of the season to decide if a change in the goalkeeping cohort is in the offing.
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