Brentford could be set for a significant transfer windfall if David Raya does depart the club.
The Athletic recently reported that Arsenal are interested in signing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya. Fabrizio Romano then Tweeted that the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the player. However, the north London outfit are yet to meet Brentford’s £40 million asking price.
Should Arsenal stump up the cash, then Brentford will suddenly find themselves with significantly increased spending power in what remains of the transfer window. What’s more, Thomas Frank wouldn’t need to splash out on a replacement for Raya, with Mark Flekken having arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium earlier in the summer.
There is, however, one glaring hole in the Bees’ squad, for now at least. With Ivan Toney banned until January, Brentford face taking on the first half of the new season without their talismanic target man.
Frank has already said that Toney will be ‘impossible’ to replace. However, it would be a lot more possible with £40 million burning a hole in his pocket. That money should be redirected straight into a new striker.
Balogun should be Brentford’s man
At this stage, Brentford would be wise to reopen talks with Arsenal, this time over the matter of Folarin Balogun.
The USA international is available this summer, and Arsenal may have to lower their demands after Inter Milan baulked at their asking price.
Balogun was in sensational form in France last season, banging in 21 goals in Ligue 1 whilst on loan with Reims. He is now desperate to carry on playing regular football and looks ready to lead the line at Premier League level.
Negotiations over Raya could grease the wheels for Brentford to strike a deal for Balogun. The 22-year-old is good enough to deputise in Toney’s absence. Beyond which he could compete with Toney for minutes, or even thrive in a system playing alongside him.
In any case, Balogun offers a very possible solution to Frank’s apparently ‘impossible’ task.