David Raya has now heaped praise on a player Mikel Arteta is believed to want at Arsenal this summer.
The 28-year-old spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of Spain’s upcoming international fixtures.
So, which player did Arsenal No.22 David Raya single out for praise? Let’s take a look…
David Raya lauds Pau Cubarsi
Well – according to SPORT – Arsenal are keen to sign Pau Cubarsi from Barcelona.
The 17-year-old has been one of the sensations of Barcelona’s season after breaking into the senior setup under Xavi, making 13 appearances in all competitions so far.
Cubarsi even won the Man of the Match award on his UEFA Champions League debut, which came as Barcelona recorded a 3-1 win and a 4-2 aggregate victory over Napoli in the Round of 16.
The teenager – who also became the youngest player to debut in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages at 17 years and 50 days – impressively kept Napoli No.9 Victor Osimhen, another reported target for Arsenal, quiet.
Now, Raya has praised Cubarsi – and also Lamine Yamal – after the teenage duo received call ups to Luis Enrique’s Spain squad.
BeIN SPORTS quote the Arsenal glovesman as saying: “It’s a pleasure to have such young players with us. For young people, it’s an honour to see them in the senior squad.
“My career is very atypical, each one is different, and they (Cubarsi and Lamal) are touched by a wand and demonstrate it every game. I’m glad they’re with us and contributing.”
Arsenal could secure bargain
Barcelona are well known for inserting significant release clauses into contracts for their best talents – Gavi is believed to have a €1bn (£870m) release clause in his terms.
However, Barcelona are yet to tie Cubarsi down to a new deal, and SPORT believe his current terms involve a release clause worth just €10m (£8.5m) – a bargain fee.
Therefore, if Arsenal were to offer £8.5m this summer and Barcelona still haven’t renewed the teenager’s contract, the Spanish giants would be helpless if the central defender agreed to join the Gunners.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation – if a move does materialise, Cubarsi would seemingly have a friendly face to lean on at Arsenal in Raya.
Pau Cubarsi profile
Full name: Pau Cubarsi Paredes
Age: 17
Height: 6ft (1.84m)
Date of birth: 22nd January 2007
Place of birth: Girona
Nationality: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Position: Central defender
Release clause: €10m (£8.5m)
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