Report: Everton to battle Arsenal for David Raya

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Everton have joined Arsenal in the race to sign David Raya from Brentford, according to a report from Calciomercato.

Like many of his teammates, Raya has made an excellent start to life in the Premier League. He had previously spent several years as one of the best in the Championship for both Blackburn and the Bees.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal had the Spaniard on their radar. It comes amid speculation that Bernd Leno could leave in January after losing his place to Aaron Ramsdale in the Gunners’ net.

Calciomercato also lists Mikel Arteta’s men as admirers of the 26-year-old. But it appears that they face competition for his signature.

According to the report, Everton have also set their sights on Raya.

The Toffees did bring Asmir Begovic in during the summer. And they do have Joao Virginia out on loan with Sporting.

But perhaps Rafa Benitez is hoping to provide stronger competition for Jordan Pickford, who has previously come in for criticism for seemingly failing to replicate his form for England while playing for Everton.

Brentford will fancy their chances of keeping Raya amid Everton and Arsenal interest

Thomas Frank’s side have been excellent in the opening weeks of the season. They certainly appear to have a fantastic chance of staying in the top-flight for next year.

With that in mind, a move to Everton or Arsenal may not appeal too much to Raya – whose passing was labelled incredible by Jurgen Klopp after a recent appearance – at this stage.

At Brentford, he is first-choice. And it is hard to imagine either the Toffees or Gunners would be willing to offer similar assurances to Raya.

Having said that, there is a long way to go until the summer. So it is not out of the question for Benitez or Arteta to be looking for a genuine contender for the number one spot by the time the window opens.