David Raya reveals he was ‘very close’ to joining Arsenal’s Champions League rival | Football
David Raya has revealed he was “very close” to joining Bayern Munich instead of Arsenal.
Arsenal signed Raya on a season-long loan from Brentford in August 2023, then made the deal permanent the following year for £27 million.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been a central 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.
“Obviously the coach, the philosophy that when they came for me, the project that was there, the club was growing,” Raya said.
“I just wanted to take a big step in my career coming from Brentford and I think Arsenal were the best team to do it.”
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“Obviously it was also about building such a young team and I think it was the best choice I made to come to this club.
“I was very close to going to another club but obviously everything happened with Arsenal because it was just in between and everything. I was very, very close to going to another club but luckily it didn’t happen and Arsenal finally made an offer and I came here.
Declan Rice and Thierry Henry praise David Raya
Declan Rice: ‘He deserves all the credit he gets. I wish people could come every day and see how he trains. Because the intensity he trains with and the level he trains at, there’s no reason why he can’t do what he does on the field, it’s amazing to see him every day. The effort he makes with the guys, he has become a real leader for us and when you have a goalkeeper like that, it gives confidence to everyone and yes, he is incredible.
Thierry Henry: “This guy should be in the running for player of the season because of what he does for Arsenal every time. It’s sometimes very difficult to see what a goalkeeper does because he can’t always make you win the game. He can make you hope that you won’t lose him by making saves, but he does it two to three times in every game. It’s just outstanding.
When asked to name the club, Raya replied: “It was Bayern Munich.”
Raya was also asked to name the toughest player he faces in training with Arsenal.
“I would probably say Gabriel Jesus because he is so technical that he can do everything inside the box,” Raya replied.
“It’s so difficult to go one-on-one with him. He’s a player with flair, he’s Brazilian, he has so much technique.
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