Arsenal ‘prepare £10m transfer bid’ for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya

Arsenal are set to offer £10m for Brentford’s David Raya with Emiliano Martinez poised to join Aston Villa.

Bernd Leno has returned from injury and was thrown straight back into the starting XI for the Gunners season opener at Fulham.

Martinez’s pending exit leaves Mikel Arteta needing a back-up for the German and he is poised to raid the Championship outfit.

Raya was one of several standouts for a Brentford side that came to within 90 minutes of promotion.

Arsenal will spend up to £10m on the goalkeeper who is keen on challenging himself in the Premier League, reports The Sun.

The north Londoners are set to receive £20m for Martinez who stepped in impressively for Leno.

He made over 20 appearances and started Arsenal’s wins in the FA Cup and Community Shield.

But, having been usurped by Leno upon his return, is reportedly set to sign a long-term deal thought to be worth around £60,000-a-week.

Arteta conceded that the rumours surrounding Martinez’s future were behind his decision to omit the Argentine.

“We have a special situation at the moment in goal,” he said.

“Obviously the transfer market is open, we know all the rumours, so we decided to play Bernd (Leno) today.”

Martinez himself was not naive to the situation and had previously said he would make the best decision for his own future.

“I am in the sights of 10 teams in Europe,” he told Marca last month. “But I can’t say who those clubs are, because it’s nothing concrete.

“I still do not have the clear situation with Arsenal, when I have it when I return I will make the best decision for my career.”