David Raya has revealed that he was ‘very close’ to joining Bayern Munich instead of Arsenal.

Arsenal signed Raya on a season-long loan from Brentford in August 2023 and then made the deal permanent the following year for £27 million.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been a pivotal 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.

‘Just obviously the coach, the philosophy that when they came for me, the project that was there, the club was rising,’ Raya said.

‘I just wanted to make a big step in my career coming from Brentford and I think Arsenal was the best team to do it.

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‘Obviously it was raising such a young squad as well and I think it was the best choice I’ve made...