David Raya has revealed that he was ‘very close’ to joining Bayern Munich as a substitute of Arsenal.
Arsenal signed Raya on a season-long loan from Brentford in August 2023 after which made the deal everlasting the next yr for £27 million.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta’s side this season as they continue to be in contention to win 4 trophies, starting with the Carabao Cup this Sunday.
When asked about his decision to affix 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 once they got here for me, the project that was there, the club was rising,’ Raya said.
‘I just desired to make an enormous step in my profession coming from Brentford and I believe Arsenal was the perfect team to do it.
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‘Obviously it was raising such a young squad as well and I believe it was the perfect alternative I’ve made to return to this club.
‘I used to be very near go to a different club but obviously every part happened with Arsenal since it was right in between and every part. I used to be very, very near going to a different club but luckily it didn’t occur and Arsenal ultimately made the bid and I got here here.’
Declan Rice and Thierry Henry praise David Raya
Declan Rice: ‘He deserves every little bit of credit he’s getting. I wish people could are available in every single day and see how he trains. Since the intensity he trains at and the extent 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 single day. The trouble he makes with the lads, he’s was an actual leader for us and if you’ve got a keeper like that it gives everyone confidence and yes, he’s incredible.’
Thierry Henry: ‘This guy needs to be in contention to be player of the season due to what he does for Arsenal each time. It’s very difficult sometimes to see what a goalkeeper does because he cannot at all times make you win the sport. He could make you hope that you simply’re not losing it by making saves, but he does that two to thrice each game. It’s just outstanding.’
Asked to call the club, Raya replied: ‘It was Bayern Munich.’
Raya was also asked to call the hardest player he comes up against in training with Arsenal.
‘I’d say probably Gabriel Jesus because he’s so technical, he can do anything contained in 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 a lot technique.’
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