Chelsea have registered their interest in pursuing the transfer of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Blues are looking to sign a new goalkeeper, with the club reportedly set to put Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga up for sale. Ideally, incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino wants a goalkeeper with Premier League experience to join the club.
Raya, who has been impressive since his Premier League bow for the Bees, has indicated his desire to leave the club this summer. The Spaniard has rejected several contract offers and with his contract set to expire next season, his club must sell him now if they are to get a fee for him.
Brentford intend to sell him for around £40m and have set their sights on Mark Flekken as his replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Dean Jones says Chelsea’s interest in the 27-year-old is legit and he is keen to move.
“Raya looks pretty certain to move and now that Brentford are making new goalkeeper plans it’s just a case of finding his new home,” said Jones.
“Chelsea’s move for a goalkeeper is something that Mauricio Pochettino wants but they will have to resolve the situation first in-house as they have two big names in Kepa and Mendy.
“From conversations I’ve had with contacts it feels like their interest in Raya is legit, but I also think they prefer Andre Onana, just as Tottenham do. It’s very early days but it’s not beyond imagination that Raya simply ends up signing for whichever team Onana doesn’t choose to join.”
David Raya or Andre Onana; Who is the better fit for Chelsea?
Chelsea have made inquiries about signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, with the goalkeeper set to cost around £40m. With Tottenham Hotspur also in search for a goalkeeper, it seems inevitable that one of Raya or Onana would end up at Chelsea.
Raya and Onana are similar in being modern-day goalkeepers who can help their teams find solutions on the pitch. Their performances this season for their respective sides have earned them accolades around Europe.
As a result of his Premier League experience, David Raya would likely be Chelsea’s first choice to join them this summer. The Spaniard is currently playing at a higher level than both of Chelsea’s goalkeepers and would be an upgrade on them.
