Arsenal to face Barcelona transfer interest in Arteta favourite

Suraj Radia

Updated: 18 Oct 2024 11:30 BST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal could face substantial interest in one of their star players, with Barcelona reportedly considering David Raya as a long-term solution to their goalkeeping situation.

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Barca are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper after seeing Marc-Andre Ter Stegen suffer an ACL injury last month, leaving him sidelined for the rest of the season.

The Spanish giants brought in former Arsenal shotstopper Wojciech Szczesny as a stop-gap option, with the 34-year-old coming out of retirement to pen a contract until next summer with Barca.

However, director Deco is said to be ‘very clear’ that Barca must start planning for life after Ter Stegen and El Nacional claim that Raya is one of three keepers on the club’s shortlist.

Portuguese international Diogo Costa is thought to be top of the list after becoming an undisputed starter for club and country, however Porto are likely to demand his release clause of €75 million.

Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia – who was wanted by Arsenal in the summer – is also on Barca’s list due to his standout performances in La Liga and his appealing release clause of €25m.

© IMAGO - David Raya has been integral to Arsenal this season.

Could Raya join Barcelona?

Raya only joined Arsenal on a permanent basis this summer after a successful loan spell last season, with the Gunners shelling out €32m to Brentford for the Spaniard.

The 29-year-old has been in fine form for Arsenal this season, prompting Barca to take interest, particularly due to his ability on the ball and having broken into Spain’s national team in recent months.

Arsenal are unlikely to consider selling Raya after seeing Mikel Arteta shuffle through multiple options to land on his ideal goalkeeping choice.

Current ETV

David Raya

Arsenal

David Raya

Arsenal

ETV Range

€17.3M - €28.8M

However, with Arsenal having considered Garcia as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale in the summer, Arteta may be open to trading Raya in for a younger successor for the right price.

Barcelona’s financial situation is believed to be steadily improving but the Catalans may struggle to meet any asking price for Raya, with Arsenal likely to demand a profit on their star number one to tempt them into a sale.