David Raya has recalled how he got here close to joining Bayern Munich earlier than signing for Arsenal.
The Spaniard has been one of many Premier League’s standout goalkeepers since his preliminary mortgage transfer from Brentford in August 2023.
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Raya accomplished a everlasting switch to Arsenal only a yr later, and has stored 60 clear sheets in 136 appearances throughout all competitions.
Their bitter north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been interested in a move earlier than his preliminary swap to the Emirates Stadium.
However, it seems that Arsenal have been additionally ready to beat Bayern to his signature.
Top Gun
Speaking to Sky Sports, Raya defined how he might have joined one in every 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 was rising,” he mentioned when asked about what made him choose Arsenal.
“I just wanted to make a bigger step in my career, obviously coming from Brentford.
“I feel Arsenal was the very best crew to do it as a result of it was rising.
“It was such a young squad as well, and I think it was the best choice I’ve made, to come to this club.”
Raya added: “I was very close to going to another club, but obviously everything happened with Arsenal, it was right in between.
“I was very, very close to going to one other membership however fortunately that did not occur and Arsenal, ultimately, made a bid and I got here right here.”
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Raya was then asked if he could reveal the club, which he agreed to do and replied: “It was Bayern Munich.”
Wait is nearly over for Raya?
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 collected individual honours such as two Premier League Golden Gloves and a PFA Team of the Year selection.
But he could get his hands on silverware on Sunday as Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, live on talkSPORT.
Raya has not featured within the competitors in any respect this season, with Kepa Arrizabalaga being the chosen man in between the sticks.
However, boss Mikel Arteta might resolve to give Raya the nod for the ultimate as Arsenal look to win their first trophy since 2020.
