Arsenal continue to hold an interest in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, whose new contract contains a release clause for next summer.

The Athletic report that David Raya has a release clause in his new Brentford contract for next summer, with Arsenal lurking. He signed a new deal this month, and we did suggest at the time it might contain an exit clause.

The Gunners wanted to bring in Raya to replace Emi Martinez, but even though the player was keen, Brentford didn’t want to sell. Arsenal signed Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson instead, but remain hopeful of a deal for the Spanish goalkeeper in the future.

Coming through Blackburn Rovers’ academy, Raya is homegrown, and Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana is a big fan – from his own time with The Bees.

After an injury and all the speculation surrounding his future, Raya dropped to the bench for the first few games of the Championship season. However, he featured in the League Cup against West Brom and Fulham. Both Premier League teams, funnily enough.

In the West Brom clash, he let in a couple of goals during the 90 but saved a crucial penalty in the shootout. Then he kept a clean sheet with a strong display against Fulham.

Ideally, he’ll get back into the Brentford team now he has a new contract. If he can play regularly and at a high level, I’m sure Arsenal will happily activate his release clause in 2021.