Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has slapped a £40million valuation on reported Chelsea target David Raya after he turned down two contract offers.
Raya has been extremely consistent for the Bees since they earned promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
His ability with the ball at his feet has been one of his biggest strengths and has made him a desirable player for several big clubs.
Chelsea could be in the market for a new goalkeeper given Edouard Mendy’s form of late, though Kepa Arrizabalaga has been performing pretty well for the Blues.
Manchester United have also been linked and should be looking to sign a long-term successor to David de Gea, with a new shot-stopper surely high on Erik ten Hag’s list of priorities this summer.
The third top-flight side reportedly keen on Raya is Tottenham, who definitely need to replace club captain Hugo Lloris this summer, and the Brentford ‘keeper could be the perfect successor.
The 27-year-old has recently revealed that he was offered a new contract by the Bees last year and again in January, but does not believe now is the right time to extend, though he does insist he is “really happy” at the club.
“I don’t think it’s the right time to sign a contract at the moment,” Raya said.
“I’m really, really happy and right now I’m just thinking about doing the best for the team and trying to push for Europe.
“I was offered a new contract last year and one in January but we didn’t reach an agreement. For now a new contract is secondary, the most important thing is the team and the games. We’ll see where we are in May.
“There’s nothing I can say about what’s going to happen in the summer. I don’t even know what’s going to happen on Saturday.”
Brentford boss Frank was asked about Raya’s future in his pre-match press conference for Saturday’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
“I think if he turns it down twice then unfortunately that’s a signal,” he said.
“We made two really good offers but that’s fine, it’s a free world. We can’t force anyone.
“That said, David has been amazing for us, coming from Blackburn three-and-a-half years ago.
“In the first season, for me, he was the best ‘keeper in the Championship and then was involved in the play-off final. He made a mistake there but we told him, ‘you will come back stronger’ and the year after, we did it.
“He has taken that form into the Premier League and I think he’s one of the best…
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