‘Lower the price’: Agent tells club to make £40m player available for cheaper after he’s linked with Chelsea

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Chelsea are keen to sign David Raya from Brentford as Mauricio Pochettino aims to find an upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.

That was according to Sky Sports, with the Spain international valued at £40m by the Bees.

Now – however – Chelsea could end up paying less for David Raya.

What’s the story?

Well, Jaume Munell – who represents Raya for the Futbol21Pro agency – has told Brentford to lower their asking price to help his client secure a move away.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as free agent in one year.”

In our view, that almost sounds like a bit of a threat from Munell.

Of course, Brentford will not want to lose a player they value at £40m for free in 12 months when the Spaniard’s contract expires, but at the same time, they will not want to be held to ransom by their No.1 and his agent.

The Bees confirmed the £11m signing of Mark Flekken from SC Freiburg earlier on Wednesday as they prepare for life after Raya, so it appears they are willing to sell this summer.

Quick decision on Raya would help Chelsea

If Raya’s agent can help speed the transfer saga up by pushing Brentford, it would be a huge positive for Chelsea.

The Blues could do with a quick solution to their hunt for a new goalkeeper, as one of Kepa or Mendy will need to be sold after a new glovesman arrives in order to ease Financial Fair Play regulations.

The longer it takes for Chelsea to find a new goalkeeper, the less time Pochettino has to offload one of his current two shot-stoppers, so a speedy resolution would be ideal.

Of course – as aforesaid – Brentford will not want to be rushed into accepting a sum below their asking price, but after they confirmed the signing of Flekken, you would imagine that a respectable offer in the region of £25m – £30m would be taken seriously.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Raya could be moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.