David Raya reveals he was ‘very close’ to joining Arsenal’s Champions League rival | Football

David Raya has revealed that he was ‘very close’ to joining Bayern Munich instead of Arsenal.

Arsenal signed Raya on a season-long loan from Brentford in August 2023 and then made the deal permanent the following year for £27 million.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta’s side this season as they remain in contention to win four trophies, starting with the Carabao Cup this Sunday.

When asked about his decision to join Arsenal, Raya revealed in an interview with Sky Sports that a move to Bayern was also an option.

‘Just obviously the coach, the philosophy that when they came for me, the project that was there, the club was rising,’ Raya said.

‘I just wanted to make a big step in my career coming from Brentford and I think Arsenal was the best team to do it.

‘Obviously it was raising such a young squad as well and I think it was the best choice I’ve made to come to this club.

‘I was very close to go to another club but obviously everything happened with Arsenal because it was right in between and everything. I was very, very close to going to another club but luckily it didn’t happen and Arsenal in the end made the bid and I came here.’

Declan Rice and Thierry Henry praise David Raya

Declan Rice: ‘He deserves every bit of credit he’s getting. I wish people could come in every day and see how he trains. Because the intensity he trains at and the level that he trains at there’s no reason why he’s not doing what he’s doing on the pitch it’s incredible to see him every day. The effort he makes with the lads, he’s turned into a real leader for us and when you’ve got a keeper like that it gives everyone confidence and yes, he’s incredible.’

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Thierry Henry: ‘This guy should be in contention to be player of the season because of what he does for Arsenal every single time. It’s very difficult sometimes to see what a goalkeeper does because he cannot always make you win the game. He can make you hope that you’re not losing it by making saves, but he does that two to three times every single game. It’s just outstanding.’

Asked to name the club, Raya replied: ‘It was Bayern Munich.’

Raya was also asked to name the toughest player he comes up against in training with Arsenal.

‘I would say probably Gabriel Jesus because he’s so technical, he can do anything inside the box,’ Raya replied.

‘It’s so, so tricky to go one versus one with him. He’s a flair player, he’s Brazilian, he has so much technique.’

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