Agent: 'Arsenal always wanted David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale'

Jaume Runell - the agent of David Raya - has claimed that Arsenal were keen to sign the goalkeeper three years before his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

During the summer transfer window, there was surprise when Raya opted to sign for Arsenal when Aaron Ramsdale was already the established number one.

That remained the case in the weeks after Raya's arrival, but Mikel Arteta soon opted to introduce the Spain international into the first team at the expense of Ramsdale.

At the time, Arteta indicated that there would be regular changes between the sticks, yet Ramsdale has been restricted to two outings in the EFL Cup since returning from England duty in September.

Meanwhile, Raya has made a total of 11 appearances, seven in the Premier League and four in the Champions League despite having yet to overly convince.

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From Ramsdale's perspective, it is unclear when he will get his next opportunity, a consequence of Arsenal's elimination from the EFL Cup at the last-16 stage.

However, Runell has suggested that Arsenal have been keen to sign Raya throughout Arteta's reign at the Gunners, opening up on why the decision was made to move across London rather than to another team.

Speaking to AFTV, Munell said: "Arsenal showed interest for the first time three years ago in 2021. They tried to buy him but Brentford didn't want to sell him at any price.

"After they bought Ramsdale, that was an easier option but David has always been the priority. This summer, he had just one year left on his contract with Brentford and Arsenal was the club that showed the most concrete interest and have always been our priority.

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"Tottenham also was interested and made an official bid but it was refused because was lower than the €40m (£34.9m) that Brentford wanted to sell him, also Bayern Munich was interested and had an amazing offer but with no buy option included and for this reason, we've not accepted it.

"Bayern Munich didn't understand our refusal because they thought that Raya would have been the backup keeper at Arsenal but as you can see it's not like this. Also Manchester United and Chelsea made an inquiry but nothing concrete."

Although Raya is currently at Arsenal on a season-long loan deal from Brentford, Arsenal are expected to complete a £27m permanent transfer in 2024.

Ramsdale, who has a contract with Arsenal until 2026, is already being linked with a move to another club, and England manager Gareth Southgate acknowledged on Thursday that the 25-year-old's international prospects would be affected if he did not receive regular game time.