Exclusive: Brentford reject Arsenal approach for keeper David Raya

Brentford have rejected a bid of around £10 million from Arsenal for goalkeeper David Raya, Telegraph Sport understands. Raya remains one of Mikel Arteta’s primary targets despite their move for Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson, who is set to join in the coming days. Arsenal are in the process of drastically revamping their goalkeeping department following the sale of Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa in a deal that could be worth as much as £20m. Icelandic goalkeeper Rúnarsson is set to sign for around £1.5m after Arsenal agreed a deal with French side Dijon, as reported on Thursday by Telegraph Sport. And it can now be revealed that Arsenal have also stepped up their pursuit of Raya in recent days, with the Brentford keeper eager to test himself in the top flight. Brentford have been insistent that Raya will not be leaving the club this summer but it is understood they would be more open to selling the 25-year-old to Arsenal and then taking him back on loan for the season. Such a move would be complicated for Arsenal, who would prefer to sign the player immediately and integrate him into their squad. Matt Macey, the current second-choice following Martinez’s departure, has one year left on his contract and wants to leave this summer. Raya would be willing to compete with Bernd Leno for the number one shirt at Arsenal and has a strong relationship with Inaki Cana, the goalkeeping coach who joined from Brentford in December. Cana has also worked with Rúnarsson before, during their time together at Danish side FC Nordsjaelland. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Arsenal full-back Sead Kolasinac in a move that could raise some much-needed funds in the final weeks of the window. Kolasinac is believed to earn around £100,000 per week at Arsenal but he has fallen down the pecking order following the signing of Kieran Tierney last year and the emergence of Bukayo Saka from the academy. Kolasinac has also found himself overlooked in favour of Ainsley Maitland-Niles at left wing-back in recent weeks. Lucas Torreira is another player expected to leave in the coming days, with Torino understood to be leading the race for his signature in a move that could ultimately be worth more than £20m. Arsenal are expected to invest the proceeds of Torreira’s sale into a new midfielder, with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar an ambitious but hugely exciting target.