Tottenham look to have found their new goalkeeper to bolster Ange Postecoglou's squad for the 2023/24 season. The Australian boss isn't even set to start working officially until July and is seemingly now in a strong position to make his first signing.
With Hugo Lloris coming in for criticism of his performances this year, and with just over 12 months left on his contract, a new No1 has been seen as a priority signing. Raya, 27, is in a similar position and has impressed for Brentford since helping them to promotion in 2021.
He moved from Blackburn in 2019 and is now edging closer to making another huge step in his career. As one of just three goalkeepers to play every minute of every game he managed to keep 12 clean sheets in 38 outings. Only four keepers could better that.
Raya also impressed during Brentford's win over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season, making two immense saves to earn a 3-1 victory for Thomas Frank's side.
It is also public knowledge that he has been angling for a move away and another move up the footballing ladder. Here, football.london has the latest on his future.
Brentford transfer plea
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has broken his silence over his future amid transfer interest from Tottenham. Speaking to The Times whilst on international duty with Spain, he said: "I know there are rumours about me leaving," he said. "There are some options for me to go but obviously Brentford are asking for a lot of money.
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"That could make clubs not want to buy me, it could make them look somewhere else. But if that's the value they give me then it's up to them. I have a year left on my contract and until then I'm a Brentford player, there's nothing I can do.
"I have ambitions to make the next step in my career. I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe in the next couple of years. I'm 27 now and I feel like I'm at the point in my career when I want to make that step up. There are options out there but it's not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go."
“I’m a professional,” he said. “If I end up staying at Brentford I will always give my all, that’s my job. If I have to stay, I’ll try to have an even better season than last season.”
Personal terms 'agreed'
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Raya is now close to agreeing personal terms with Tottenham. "Tottenham are now on the verge of reaching an agreement with David Raya on personal terms," he wrote..
"Long term contract, almost agreed after positive talks. Raya, open to Spurs move but club-to-club talks will be crucial. £40m fee asked by Brentford, considered too high."
Raya conceded more goas from outside the box than any other 'keeper last season but did lead the way for saves, making 254 from 197 on target. It left him with the highest save percentage and the most clean sheets for any team with less than 19 wins.
Frank value
Brentford coach Thomas Frank has been open about selling Raya. “I think we only have one player for sale. That’s the one that’s been talked about a lot: David. He costs £40million, I think I said," he admitted in May.
“We are a selling club — I don’t think that’s a secret. But they need to be crazy high amounts for the players if we want to have anyone to leave. I’m pretty sure that everyone, including myself, is very happy here at Brentford.”
Brentford find replacement
Brentford have already seemingly found the heir to Raya's throne. After confirming the signing of Mark Flekken from Freidburg it offers even more room for the Bees to let their current No. 1 walk away.
"There is no doubt David is a case where there is one year left and we will see what will happen," Frank has also said. "We are very happy with David here, everybody knows he is a £40million-plus goalkeeper if anyone is interested.
"There is a possibility he will maybe leave this summer for the right price. If that happens we need to be prepared like we are at left-back, right-back, striker."
Agent admission
Futbol21Pro agent Jaume Munell has made the stance of Raya perfectly clear. “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as free agent in one year," he said.
Spurs shortlist
Tottenham have also looked at Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvil, Brighton's Robert Sanchez and AC Milan's Mike Maignan, football.london understands. They have also been linked with Jordan Pickford previously and had to use back-up option Fraser Forster for periods during the season with Lloris injured.
Chelsea battle
Chelsea are also said to have been interested in signing Raya this summer with Manchester United another side looking for a new goalkeeper.
Who should Tottenham keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!
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