Who should Arsenal target between David Raya and Freddie Woodman?
After the departure of Emi Martinez last summer, Arsenal’s reported preference has been to sign a back-up goalkeeper who is homegrown.
The Gunners were linked with Brentford’s David Raya and Swansea City’s Freddie Woodman last summer. Although, at the end, nothing materialized, their interest in the two goalkeepers is still believed to be strong.
Raya and Woodman fought it out at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening in the Championship play-off final. Raya’s team eventually got the better of Woodman’s. And that might mean Arsenal’s long-term interest in the Spaniard might be over.
When the Gunners were chasing the Brentford man in the previous summer shop window, they made multiple bids for the 25-year-old. But he was convinced by the Bees to remain at West London for a further year. The Spaniard agreed to stay by signing a contract extension that involved a nominal release clause.
However, that became invalid when Brentford got promoted to the Premier League, as was reported by The Athletic. So, any deal for the Brentford shot-stopper looks unlikely.
But they might open talks if they are determined to add Raya into their ranks.
The 25-year-old has played over 180 matches for Blackburn Rovers and Brentford. Thus, he is not short of experience at the lower levels of English football. The Spanish shot-stopper has a Save Percentage of 74.2. In the 42 matches he has played in the Championship this term, the goalkeeper has conceded just 0.86 goals per 90 minutes.
On the other end of the spectrum, Freddie Woodman has played less first-team games than his counter-part. But he does boast a playing career at a number of clubs.
Thus, he deserves some credit to adapting to new challenges every now and then.
The Englishman had loan spells at Crawley Town, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Swansea. In the current campaign, the 24-year-old has a Save Percentage of 72.7. The goalkeeper, who is on-loan from Premier League side Newcastle United, has conceded 0.84 goals per 90.
Woodman is a taller as well as a younger option. And with Brentford getting promoted to the Premier League, Arsenal chase for David Raya might turn to be an uphill task
Both goalkeepers are young and have massive potential. Many arguments can be made in favour of signing either one of them, as a back-up option to Bernd Leno.
Who do you want Arsenal to buy?
How about Rui Silva from Granada? He’s free.
Neither of them, just sign Ryan.
Keep Leno and Ryan.
If it is either or, Woodman.
I’d like to see the Ajax keeper Onana as back up/competition for Leno..
Thought just struck me whether Newcastle will throw Woodman into the Willock equation.
People seem to have a short memory. Leno has been great for us in 90% of our matches. He has saved us many times. I dare to say we could easily have ended below number 12 without Leno.
I would hope we’re discussing back up to Leno – at least thats’s where I’m coming from as I’ve always stood by Bernd?
Best Ryan as Leno’s backup. Leno is sturbon, Non of de two can put pressure on him. Though i love & trust him!
Neither.
Since we hear that the Kroenke’s have actually found where their pockets are and have been tentatively putting their hands in – Why not make a try for Oblak. Perhaps an Offer of $35m + Leno might just pry him lose.
What about it?
For the love of God, Donarumma of AC Milan is free. We should be rushing to get him, I still don’t ever understand why this club always targets useless and cheap options when there proper quality out there for picking.