Sources: Arsenal close to surprise double deal
Arsenal are in talks to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and sell backup shot-stopper Matt Turner to Nottingham Forest, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the framework of each deal is close to being agreed.
Turner has emerged as an alternative to top target Dean Henderson at Nottingham Forest – with Steve Cooper’s side now doing due diligence in the market with less than two weeks until the new season begins.
Cooper’s side had intended to re-sign the England international after his successful loan last season but are now exploring alternatives in case a deal can’t be struck.
Turner is the United States’ number one goalkeeper and has made 32 appearances for his country, including at last year’s World Cup.
However, at club level, he has exclusively been a backup for Aaron Ramsdale since joining Arsenal from the New England Revolution in 2022.
The 29-year-old made seven starts in cup competitions last season, conceding four goals and keeping four clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Raya is expected to depart Brentford this summer after the Bees moved to sign Freiburg star Mark Flekken as their new first-choice goalkeeper earlier this summer.
However, there has been a lack of interest in a player the London club value at around £40million with one year remaining on his contract.
Raya made 39 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign – conceding 47 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.
read also: Nottingham Forest have ‘agreed’ permanent transfer for midfielder
Nottingham Forest have ‘agreed’ permanent transfer for midfielder
Nottingham Forest transfer news from NottinghamshireLive as the Reds are said to have struck a deal with MLS side Real Salt Lake for Braian Ojeda
Nottingham Forest have reportedly agreed a deal with Real Salt Lake for midfielder Braian Ojeda to join the MLS side on a permanent basis.
Ojeda is currently on loan with the American outfit, who hold an option to buy the player as part of the arrangement. And it seems they are now close to securing his services on a two-year contract.
Apple TV lead MLS analyst Taylor Twellman tweeted: “@realsaltlake have agreed with Nottingham Forest to permanently acquire MF Braian Ojeda through the 2025 season. That means the new ownership group is $16m+ in acquisition fees over the last 2 windows. Love seeing money spent well in SLC!”
Ojeda joined Forest from Paraguay Primera Division side Olimpia on deadline day in August 2021, signing a four-year contract at the City Ground. Forest boss at the time, Chris Hughton said: “Braian is a signing who will give us valuable competition in the central midfield area.
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“He has a good profile as a young player who is keen to progress in the game and is an important addition to the squad. I look forward to getting to work with Braian.”
However, Ojeda has made only three appearances for the Reds as adapting to English football and forcing his way into a settled side proved tough, and he was loaned out to Real Salt Lake last summer. In the current season, he has made 21 appearances for the Utah-based team, including 15 starts.
