Man Utd and Chelsea target issues price tag warning to force move

Robin Bairner

• 31 May 2023 12:35 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Chelsea transfer target David Raya has issued a warning to Brentford over his asking price via his agent.

The Spaniard has been linked with the two Premier League giants persistently in recent weeks, with the two clubs both seeking reinforcement in goal.

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag has particularly thrown down the gauntlet to David de Gea, indicating that if the Spaniard does indeed sign a new contract, he can expect more competition for his place as No.1.

Raya is rumoured to be high on Ten Hag’s shopping list, yet Brentford’s £40 million asking price for the goalkeeper has been judged excessive for both United and Chelsea.

The two clubs expect extensive renovation work in the summer, and while funds will be made available, justifying such an outlay on a goalkeeper is clearly something that is proving complicated.

Raya’s agent exerts pressure on Brentford

Raya, meanwhile, appears happy to push for a move. Speaking to Fabrizio Romano, Jaume Munell, the player’s agent said: “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as free agent in one year.”

Raya, who was signed for £3m from Blackburn in 2019, only has limited control over his future due to his contract, but missing out on such a sizeable transfer fee would be considered a blow for the Bees, who operate on a platform of turning profits from the players they sign. It remains to be seen, however, whether this is sufficient leverage to force the Bees into a sale.

The 27-year-old has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of only £10.8m (€12.6m), suggesting that Brentford have indeed set the bar too high with regards his transfer fee.

Brentford, meanwhile, are expected to announce the arrival of Mark Flekken imminently, with the Freiburg goalkeeper’s £11m (£11m (13m) release clause having been activated. He is expected to be Raya’s replacement.