Chelsea seem prepared to hijack Tottenham for the signing of David Raya as either side look to further bolster their options between the sticks. The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with an exit from Brentford this summer – and the Bees' technical director has given him the green light to leave.
Raya, who has already turned down two contract extensions from Brentford, featured 38 times for Thomas Frank's side in the Premier League last term, keeping 12 clean sheets. The Spain international's impressive performances have reportedly courted the interest of several top clubs across Europe, and Brentford appear to be preparing for his eventual departure.
football.london understands that Raya is one of numerous candidates identified by Spurs to replace Hugo Lloris this summer. And, according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the situation too while it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can reach an agreement.
With clubs fighting for the chance to secure the Spaniard's signature, Lee Dykes – the Brentford technical director – has admitted that he's free to leave. Speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast last month, as quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: "We sat in front of David and said listen, 'If you go beyond us, then that's the time for you to go'.
"I think he's one of the best in the Premier League which puts him one of the best in the world. He's in a really good moment as a goalkeeper and he's well within his rights to say, 'Maybe I want to explore my options'. That's fine. No probs.
"We signed him again in 2019, that first summer. I'd seen him come through his loan spells in the lower leagues and really develop at Blackburn. It was a great deal for us but effectively we've had a plan for him and we're OK with that.
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"We'll replace him if we need to replace him or he'll sign a new deal and stay. What will be will be. We have to understand that at Brentford, like Brighton, there are bigger clubs at there that can hunt for these players and we're always of the mindset that if we help them get to the very top level, we've played our part.
"As long as the club's remunerated adequately for any potential transfer, I'm sure Phil [Giles, director of football] and Matt [Benham, owner] will make the right decision."
Then, when asked if Ederson is the best ball-playing goalkeeper in the Premier League, Dykes leapt to Raya's defence. He replied: "No, Raya is up there. I watch him every day in training, he's top level."
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