ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has warned Aaron Ramsdale to expect competition as the club is close to signing Brentford’s David Raya.
The Gunners shot-stopper delivered the goods to help the team beat Man City 4-1 on penalties in Sunday’s Community Shield.
Even despite Ramsdale’s stunning display Arsenal are still locked in talks with Brentford over a deal for the Spanish goalkeeper.
Despite having their £23million opening bid rejected, negotiations are advancing with Raya into the final year of his contract.
He is understood to have already agreed personal terms as Arsenal prepare to replace back-up shot-stopper Matt Turner- who is on the verge of signing for Nottingham Forest – with him.
Raya is set to head to the Emirates Stadium to provide direct competition to Ramsdale.
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The England goalie has been Arteta’s undisputed first choice for two seasons.
Arteta was asked after the game yesterday if Ramsdale will be feeling the pressure due to the Raya speculation.
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He said: “I hope not, because the competition here always exists whoever it is and that’s what he has to feel like.
“If we don’t feel like this, we are not going to get the best out of each player,
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“So we better feel like this and make sure that we all feel like this, me first.”
The Bees are understood to want to double the £23million offer that was recently turned down.
But with Raya pushing for the move, Arsenal might be able to drive the price down.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
