Arsenal signing David Raya will be a “statement” signing from Mikel Arteta, according to Lee Dixon. Gunners goalkeeper Matt Turner is reportedly undergoing a medical at Nottingham Forest after a deal was agreed between the two clubs, which will likely then see Raya make the move across London.
Brentford have already rejected one offer from Arsenal for their No 1. However, it has been reported that a deal is edging closer.
The Athletic claims that Turner will have a medical on Monday after a fee was agreed between Arsenal and Forest. Arteta will need to replace the USA star and Raya is his prime target.
Fabrizio Romano claimed over the weekend that a deal could be wrapped up within 48 hours. Progression over Turner’s exit likely means there will soon be developments in the move for Raya.
Arsenal legend Dixon admits he was surprised when learning of the pursuit of Raya. The former right-back is a fan of current Gunners No 1 Aaron Ramsdale.
Dixon, speaking on Premier League fans’ hopes, views and predictions from the Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey, said: “Arsenal being linked with David Raya was a bit of a surprising one. It caught everybody by surprise because obviously [Aaron] Ramsdale had a brilliant season last year and he’s a great goalkeeper.
“I tend to listen to David Seaman’s opinion on goalkeepers over everyone else’s and he’s a big fan of Ramsdale and his development over the past few years, so it’s definitely caught me by surprise. Having said that, looking at [Mikel] Arteta’s point of view, he may have seen something in training where he thinks Ramsdale needs to be tested a little bit more for his place.”
Dixon is also a big fan of Raya after watching him for the past two years in the Premier League at Brentford. He reckons Arteta will be making a statement to the rest of the teams in England that Arsenal mean business after last season’s title disappointment.
Dixon added: “It’s maybe a bit of a statement from Arteta to say to the rest of the league that they’ve been on this journey of trying to build a squad that’s capable of challenging Manchester City. We know City’s squad has been the best for a few years now and he’s trying to build a squad where – If somebody comes in in any position, it won’t feel like the replacement is downscaling.
“Raya is a brilliant goalkeeper, he’s excellent with his feet, he ticks all the boxes. The interesting thing from his point of view is what Arteta has said to him.
“If he does end up signing, what has Arteta said and how has he pitched the club to Raya? Has he said if you go in and play well you are my number one?
“It’s an intriguing one, but it’s a statement from the club and the manager that he’s decided they need another goalkeeper. It took a few by surprise, I’m not totally surprised, but it did raise one of my eyebrows.”