Man Utd and Chelsea told Raya's Kepa-inspired asking price

Suraj Radia

• 11 Feb 2023 13:44 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United and Chelsea have been put on red alert after Brentford manager Thomas Frank admitted goalkeeper David Raya could leave the club this summer.

Raya is out of contract with the Bees in 2024 and the Spaniard has rejected two offers of a new deal, with United and Chelsea both thought to be eyeing a move for the 27-year-old.

Both clubs are keen on Raya due to his ability on the ball and his status as a homegrown player, having joined Blackburn as a teenager, adding to the appeal of a cut-price deal.

Frank insisted that his number one would not leave on the cheap, comparing Raya to Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined the Blues for a world-record £71.6 million in 2018.

HISTORY: Kepa and the most expensive goalkeepers of all-time

"I think if he turns it [a contract offer] down twice then unfortunately that's a signal," Frank said. "We made two really good offers but that's fine, it's a free world. We can't force anyone.

“I hope he will stay forever but it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation. He must be [worth] at least £40m plus. If he had three years [left on his contract] it would be £70m. How much was Kepa? He is at least as good as him."

United and Chelsea looking to replace their number ones

Kepa has found his way back into the Chelsea team after losing his place to Edouard Mendy in the past two seasons but the Blues are still considering signing a new keeper in the summer.

REVEALED: Chelsea's goalkeeper shortlist

United, meanwhile, are searching for long-term replacements for David de Gea despite the 32-year-old being likely to sign a new contract at the club.

De Gea’s current deal expires at the end of the season and, while United retain the option to trigger a one-year extension, the club are looking to tie him down to a longer contract on lower terms.

The likes of Diogo Costa of Porto and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon have also been considered but Raya may be a more realistic target and United will likely be strong challengers to Chelsea if the Brentford man continues to refuse a new contract at his club.