Manchester United and Chelsea target David Raya has fanned the flames of a potential departure this summer by admitting that he has already turned down two new contract extensions with the Bees as he seeks pastures news.
The Spanish shot-stopper is widely regarded as one of the best in the Premier League, but will be down to the final 12 months of his contract with high-flying Brentford come this summer.
His performances, and situation, have attracted the attention of a host of clubs, with the Red Devils and Graham Potter’s side thought to be heading the queue that also includes Tottenham.
And, speaking to the Athletic, Raya refused to rule anything out, but did admit that playing in Europe was a dream of his in the future.
“I turned down two contracts, one last year and one this January,” Raya explained. “They weren’t the offers we were looking for. I can only say that.”
“I want to focus on playing games and not think too much about my future. I have a contract here, so I’m willing to finish that, but you never know what’s going to happen in the summer. Maybe the club wants to sell, maybe not. Maybe I want to stay. I want to focus on football and see what happens.”
“I want to play in the Champions League” 🤩
Brentford keeper David Raya on his career aspirations pic.twitter.com/C48wC41NKC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 8, 2022
However, it seems as though his heart is firmly set away from Brentford, whether that be this summer or as a free agent in 18 months time.
“I want to play in Europe and I want to fight to win a title”, he continued. “I want to fight to win a European title. I trust myself to be able to play in those types of games.”
The 27-year-old is thought to have a £40m price tag on his head this summer for any interested party, though a bid over £28m, Brentford’s record sale, is likely to tempt the Bees to the table rather than losing one of their stars for nothing a year later.
