A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Gary Lineker issues an ‘important’ verdict about Kai Havertz and the Gunners submit their opening offer for a Euro 2024 star.
David Raya admits he could leave Arsenal after his loan transfer from Brentford
Spain international David Raya has now admitted that he may leave Arsenal following a one-year loan transfer from Brentford. The 28-year-old has not closed any doors for his future as the goalkeeper longs for a move to La Liga. He has never yet played in the Spanish top-flight.
Raya arrived in England as a youth after joining Blackburn Rovers’ academy from Cornella in 2012. He has since played for the Ewood Park outfit, Brentford and Arsenal, plus a loan spell at Southport. Raya even won the Premier League Golden Glove during his loan with Arsenal.
After three games on their bench, Raya displaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s No1. He went on to play all 32 available games for 16 clean sheets and may seal a permanent deal. Arsenal got a £27m option to buy Raya in his £3m loan from Brentford. But he states it is not certain.
“I would like to play in Spain one day,” Raya told OK Diario. “As I have never played in the Spanish league, then returning would not be returning. Coming home, at some point, yes.
“I don’t close any doors. Right now, I am very happy in the Premier. Let’s see what happens this year, if I stay at Arsenal or not. You have to see.”
Read more about what Raya has said about his future with Arsenal, here.
Arsenal submit an offer for Ferdi Kadioglu but are not close to Fenerbahce’s asking price
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have now made Fenerbahce official offers for the transfer of Ferdi Kadioglu. That is according to Ajans Spor, which reports that many European clubs also like the 24-year-old. But the Gunners and BVB have made the most serious moves for a deal.
Kadioglu has long been on Arsenal’s radar with Mikel Arteta looking to sign a left-back in the off-season. The north London giants have also now slapped a €20m (£17m) bid on the table. Borussia Dortmund have even bid €25m (£21m) but both need to pay €35-40m (£30-34m).
Fenerbahce President Ali Koc has told Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund that he will not grant Kadioglu a transfer for less. The Yellow Canaries do not feel pressure to cash in for less than they believe the Turkey talent is worth as he is under contract until 2026 and is a key player.
Read more about Arsenal’s interest in Kadioglu’s transfer from Fenerbahce, here.
Gary Lineker thinks Kai Havertz has ‘found his position’ at Euro 2024
Gary Lineker feels Kai Havertz has ‘found his position’ at Euro 2024 after seeing the Arsenal ace star with Germany. The Premier League hero says the 25-year-old has now proven he is a true No9, and not just a false-nine, after scoring one and assisting another goal in two ties.
Havertz registered both of his goal involvements as Germany opened Euro 2024 with a 5-1 win over Scotland. He also started as Die Mannschaft beat Hungary 2-0 to secure a place in the knockout stages. Havertz now boasts 17 goals and 15 assists over 48 caps for Germany.
A starting place at the top of Germany’s attack has been Havertz’s to lose at Euro 2024 after also finishing the Premier League season with eight goals and seven assists in 13 games as a centre-forward for Arsenal. His hold-up play and touch have also impressed Lineker recently.
“I don’t think he’s ever going to be prolific,” Lineker told The Rest is Football. “But Havertz, I think, has turned himself from a false-nine into a nine.
“He’s impressive as a nine, and he will try and run in behind – which is really important. But he can also hold it up [and] he’s got a really good touch. I think we’ve found his position.”
Read more about what Lineker has said about Arsenal star Havertz for Germany, here.