Real Madrid target Arsenal's Raya as Courtois succession planning begins

Real Madrid are monitoring Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as part of their long-term succession plan behind Thibaut Courtois, according to a report from Fichajes. Raya, 31, sits top of a three-man shortlist at the Bernabeu that also includes Diogo Costa and Guillaume Restes.

Courtois, who turns 35 next summer, is out of contract at the end of next season, prompting Los Blancos to begin identifying candidates for the role. The report suggests Real’s sporting management are in no rush, with Courtois remaining first choice and the club expecting roughly two seasons to evaluate their options before committing to a signing.

For Arsenal, the timing is uncomfortable. Raya has won the Premier League’s Golden Glove in each of the past three seasons and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, yet he has just two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium. His market value is listed at €30 million by Transfermarkt.

The personal dimension adds further complexity. Although Raya grew up near Camp Nou in Barcelona, he is a lifelong Real Madrid supporter — a detail that could prove decisive if a formal approach materialises. He moved to England as a teenager, coming through Blackburn Rovers’ academy and spending time on loan at non-league Southport before establishing himself as Blackburn’s first choice, winning promotion in 2018 and earning a move to Brentford a year later.

Arsenal signed Raya permanently in 2023, with goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana — who had pushed to bring him to the club two years earlier — playing a central role in the deal. Cana’s close relationship with Raya is understood to be a significant factor in Arsenal’s favour as they look to persuade the Spaniard to extend his stay at London Colney.

Arsenal added a further backup option over the summer in former Leeds United goalkeeper Ilian Mesilier, who joins Kepa Arrizabalaga in support of Raya. Whether that depth is enough to retain their first choice, should Real Madrid firm up their interest, remains to be seen.