David Raya’s agent has confirmed to Spanish newspaper Sport that the former Rovers goalkeeper would hand in a transfer request to push through a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal are said to have identified the Spaniard as their preferred option to replace Emiliano Martinez and provide competition for first choice stopper Bernd Leno. Martinez is close to finalising a move to Aston Villa in a deal set to pocket the Gunners around £20m.

Reports suggest Brentford have already turned down an approach of around £10m for the 25-year-old who impressed in his first season with the Bees, keeping 16 clean sheets and playing every minute in the Championship for Thomas Frank’s side.

The interest from Arsenal is unsurprising given goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana Pavon previously worked with Brentford, before his switch in December, and was key in Raya making the move to Brentford from Rovers last summer.

That deal pocketed Rovers an initial £3m, but was heavily incentivised, with Rovers having missed out on a promotion bonus following Brentford’s defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final.

However, they would be entitled to a sell-on clause for Raya’s next move, which if he has his way, would be to Arsenal, according to his agent, Jaume Monell.

He has confirmed Arsenal’s interest to Spanish newspaper ‘Sport’, based in Catalan, where Raya spent his first 16 years before his switch to Rovers.

Brentford are refusing to sell Raya, with still three years left on his contract, but Monell says Raya would hand in a transfer request in bid to push through the move.

The newspaper reports: “The decision is firm. The player's agent, Jaume Monell, confirmed to SPORT that Arsenal  have tried to make a proposal to  Brentford, which at the moment refuses to negotiate since the player has a contract in force until 2023.

“Such is the wish of the goalkeeper, who is determined to ask for the 'transfer request' if his current club does not sit down to negotiate. 

"We will do what is necessary, assured his agent.”

The report goes on to say that Arsenal see Raya as a long-term option, and would be willing to offer him an extended deal. He could well see plenty of game-time for the Gunners after their qualification for the Europa League, and a busy schedule of matches ahead.

Another benefit for Arsenal in signing Raya is that he would be classed as a homegrown option having arrived at Rovers at the age of 16 from UE Cornella.

He went on to play 108 times for Rovers before his departure last summer. Rovers finally secured a permanent replacement for Raya last month as they brought in Belgian stopper Thomas Kaminski.