Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has questioned Arsenal’s interest in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
The Englishman fails to understand why the Gunners are pursuing reinforcements in that department currently occupied by No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale.
The North London outfit has reportedly made contact with Raya’s camp to discuss salary details, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist claims that Brentford have set a price tag of £40 million, a valuation the Gunners are yet to match.
Arsenal have reportedly beat out interest from Bayern Munich after talks between the player and the Bundesliga side collapsed earlier this week.
The Spanish shot-stopper is understood to prefer a move to the Emirates over Germany.
Murphy cannot comprehend why the Gunners are interested in signing a goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale.
The Englishman said on talkSPORT, “The Arsenal thing is a real… I’m really struggling with that. Two-fold. One, if you don’t get in, what it says to Ramsdale, and what Arteta’s thinking of him…
“Because why would you need to pay 40 million for a keeper if you are not gonna start him?
He added: “And from the flipside, if you are Raya, your next move has to be to a club where you’re No.1.
“There’s no way he’s going to sit with Arteta… Well, maybe the game has changed.
“But I don’t see a player, a goalkeeper especially, saying to a manager, who’s moved for 40 million, ‘I’ll come to be the No.2 and earn my place’.
“He’s saying ‘I’m not starting’. The only way you’re getting through the door is if the manager says you’re starting.”