Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have learned the price that it will take to lure David Raya away from Brentford this summer.
The Spaniard has become one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in the Premier League after continuing to play a key role for the Bees, helping them to secure an impressive ninth-place finish in the top-flight this term.
However, Raya’s future in west London has long been in doubt, with a number of high-profile clubs taking an interest in his services.
The 27-year-old is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium and reportedly rejected the offer of an extension, meaning Brentford are likely to cash in this summer.
Chelsea have been linked with a swoop for Raya, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino and the club believed to be keen to find a new no1 goalkeeper with doubts over the respective futures of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Likewise Tottenham have been mentioned in connection as they search for a long-term successor to long-serving captain Hugo Lloris, who has a year left on his contract at Spurs but could seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in Raya, with a new goalkeeper also on Erik ten Hag’s transfer agenda despite long-time first-choice David De Gea having just won the latest Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets kep during the 2022-23 Premier League season.
However, Brentford boss Thomas Frank has warned any and all potential suitors that Raya will not be sold for anything less than £40million in the months ahead.
"I think we only have one player for sale," he said after Brentford capped off another fine season by becoming the only team in the top-flight to complete a double over champions Manchester City. "That's the one that's been talked about a lot, David. He costs £40million, I think I said."
Several more Brentford players are likely to attract interest this summer after another excellent campaign. And while Frank did not rule out further sales, he reiterated that the fees received will need to be significant for anyone else to depart.
Frank added: "We are a selling club. I don't think that's a secret. But they need to be crazy high amounts for the players for anyone to leave.
"I'm pretty sure that everyone, including myself, is very happy here at Brentford."
