In Arsenal transfer news, the Gunners have agreed a deal with Brentford to sign goalkeeper David Raya, according to reports.
The Gunners saw their £23 million opening bid for Raya rejected by Brentford earlier this month.
Brentford, who signed Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Freiburg for £11m this summer, had demanded a £40m fee for Raya.
BREAKING: Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign David Raya, here we go! Deal agreed with Brentford after personal terms last week 🚨🔴⚪️
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2023
Documents being prepared between the clubs, medical to be booked this week.
Raya only wanted #AFC move. pic.twitter.com/s3HOeogH3y
However, Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that Arsenal and Brentford have agreed a £30m deal for the Spaniard, including add-ons.
Raya is due to undergo a medical with Arsenal this week and could be registered in time for their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In other Arsenal transfer news, Raya will now challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the first-choice spot at Arsenal.
Speaking after Arsenal's victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, Arteta stressed the need for competition in all areas of his squad.
The arrival of such expensive competition, which pushes Arsenal's spending this summer towards the £240m mark, will inevitably cast doubt over Aaron Ramsdale's future. The Arsenal goalkeeping coach, Iñaki Caña, worked closely with Raya during his own time at Brentford. Arteta may feel two high-quality goalkeepers, both of whom are feted for their distribution, will be required for dual tilts at the Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal agree on a deal to sign David Raya from Brentford, per @FabrizioRomano 🥊 pic.twitter.com/Mn5oVRslWH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 8, 2023
In other Arsenal transfer news, the Gunners aim to sell more squad players this pre-season to offset some of their spending and have rejected an offer from Monaco for the striker Folarin Balogun, who they are thought to value at around £50m. Internazionale are among others interested in Balogun.
'The competition here always exists, whoever it is,' Arteta said.
That's what it has to feel like, if we don't feel like this, we're not going to get the best out of each player.
'So we better feel like this and make sure we all feel like this, me first.'