Arsenal-linked 25-year-old handed captain’s armband last night, puts in ‘really good’ display

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Reported Arsenal target David Raya was handed the captain’s armband last night before putting in a “really good” performance.

The Gunners have been linked with the Brentford goalkeeper for a number of weeks and, although the Bees aren’t keen on doing business, the North Londoners remain interested, according to Football London.

With Emiliano Martinez leaving the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal quickly brought in a replacement in Runar Alex Runarsson, but with Matt Macey’s future still uncertain, the Gunners may have to bring in another stopper.

Raya wasn’t in the Brentford squad for the League Cup wins over Wycombe and Southampton, as well as the Championship loss to Birmingham, but was on the bench for the league win over Huddersfield.

And on Tuesday, Thomas Frank not only named the 25-year-old in the starting XI but also made him skipper for the night, prompting a mixed reaction from some Brentford fans.

Raya did well on the night as his side played out a 2-2 draw in normal time and saved his best for last, keeping out Grady Diangana’s penalty in the shootout as the visitors progressed 5-4 at The Hawthorns.

“Good to have him back in goal, really good – and good to see him as a captain. Two really good saves from him,” Frank said to the club’s official website.

And some Brentford fans were pleased to see him back and saving penalties too:

With less than two weeks left before the transfer window shuts, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to snap him up or look elsewhere, obviously depending on Macey’s decision too.