David Raya reveals he nearly joined Bayern Munich before Arsenal

David Raya has revealed he was close to joining Bayern Munich before Arsenal made a bid and signed him. Arsenal initially took Raya on loan for the 2023/24 season and made the move permanent in July 2024 in a deal worth £27 million. He said: "I was very, very close to joining another club, but luckily that didn't happen and in the end Arsenal made a bid and I came here.

Which club? It was Bayern Munich." Manager Mikel Arteta has praised Raya as "absolutely amazing" after their midweek Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, pointing to a string of crucial saves. He said: "In two games, it was a set-piece last time, and a header before that, and today he has an action.

He makes an incredible save. That's why he's here. We need to value the keeper that we have because he's absolutely amazing." Raya credited coach Gabriel Heinze with instilling a "fighting spirit" in the defensive unit. "He’s a guy, he’s a coach, where he wants us to fight - a lot of intensity.

david raya, bayern munich, arsenal, mikel arteta, gabriel heinze, £27 million, loan, champions league, bayer leverkusen, saves