Chelsea reportedly identify Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as a potential summer target as they look to sign a new number one.
Chelsea are reportedly identified Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as a potential target for the summer transfer window.
With at least one of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to leave this summer, Chelsea will delve into the market in search of a new number one.
Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to become the new Chelsea boss, has given his blessing for Chelsea to pursue their priority target Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
However, Onana’s agent has seemingly played down the chances of a summer departure by stating that his client is happy at the Italian club.
With Onana under contract until June 2027, Chelsea may find it difficult to prise him away from the Italian side, and as a result, they are considering other options.
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According to journalist Dean Jones, the Blues view Raya as an alternative target should they fail to secure Onana’s services.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “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.
“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.
“Mendy seems the one most likely to, he’s more attainable financially, and easier to gauge interest in sources have told me, but that still could take some time.
“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.”
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Raya is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract and the goalkeeper has previously revealed that he has rejected two contract offers from the Bees.
Brentford are expected to sanction a sale this summer rather than risk losing the Spaniard on a free transfer in 2024.
Chelsea could face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the goalkeeper, who could command a fee in excess of £40m.
Raya, who has been a Brentford player since 2019, has featured in all 37 of the club’s Premier League games this season, keeping 11 clean sheets.
