Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is speaking to transfer target David Raya
As per journalist Ben Jacobs (h/t Football.London), Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is speaking to the club’s transfer David Raya with the hope of convincing him to come to west London.
Raya, whose contract with Brentford expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt), has previously revealed he has rejected two contract offers from the Bees. It means that he is ready to make a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
A few days ago, Brentford boss Thomas Frank accepted that it will be tough to keep hold of the Spaniard. The stopper has had interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The report says that Azpilicueta has been in constant contact with Raya since the time they were called up for the Spanish national team squad to participate in the World Cup back in December.
The latter has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since getting promoted with his club in 2021. After a league game last season, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said that the 27-year-old can play as a number 10, such was the excellence of his distribution. He is a fantastic shot-stopper as well.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have two goalkeepers who have not done enough to convince anyone. Edouard Mendy is not close to signing a new deal, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has looked shaky even though Graham Potter has preferred the latter over the former.
Back in November, it was reported that the manager is looking to offload both keepers and sign a new one in the coming summer. We may well see that happening after the end of this season.
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If that is the case, Raya jumps out as the best option. Although the club are eyeing up Leeds United keeper Illa Meslier and Brighton stopper Robert Sanchez, the Brentford man stands out.