David Raya has recalled how he was close to joining Bayern Munich before joining Arsenal.
The Spaniard has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers since his first loan move from Brentford in August 2023.
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Raya moved permanently to Arsenal just a year later and kept 60 clean sheets in 136 appearances in all competitions.
Their bitter north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur were interested in a move ahead of their first move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, it turns out that Arsenal could also beat Bayern with his signing.
Top Gun
Speaking to Sky Sports, Raya explained how he could have moved to one of their Champions League rivals.
“The coach, the philosophy when they came for me and everything, the project that was there and the way the club rose,” he said when asked why he chose Arsenal.
“I just wanted to take a bigger step in my career, of course I came from Brentford.
“I think Arsenal were the best team because they were on the rise.”
“It was such a young squad too and I think it was the best decision I ever made to come to this club.”
Raya added: “I was close to moving to another club but obviously everything happened at Arsenal, it was right in between.”
“I was very, very close to moving to another club but luckily that didn’t happen and Arsenal ended up applying and I came here.”
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Raya was then asked if he could reveal the club, which he agreed to and replied: “It was Bayern Munich.”
Will the wait for Raya soon be over?
Now in his third season at Arsenal, Raya is still waiting to win his first major trophy at the club.
The 30-year-old has picked up individual awards including two Premier League Golden Gloves and being voted in the PFA Team of the Year.
But he could get his hands on silverware on Sunday when Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, live on The Pitch Prospect.
Raya has not taken part in the competition at all this season, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the chosen man between the posts.
However, manager Mikel Arteta could opt to give Raya the nod for the final as Arsenal look to win their first trophy since 2020.