Arsenal's David Raya reveals he was close to joining Bayern Munich

David Raya has confirmed that he was close to joining Bayern Munich before ultimately signing for Arsenal in 2023.

David Raya for Arsenal.

Photo: Justin Setterfield / Getty Images.

David Raya has revealed that he was close to joining Bayern Munich before Arsenal secured his signature in the summer of 2023.

The German champions were searching for a goalkeeper while Manuel Neuer recovered from a broken leg suffered in a skiing accident. However, Raya ultimately moved to Arsenal, initially on loan from Brentford before completing a permanent transfer.

Asked about Bayern’s interest in an interview with Sky Sports UK in March, Raya confirmed that a move to Munich had been close.

“Yes, but then, of course, everything with Arsenal happened. I was really close to moving to another club, but luckily that didn’t happen. Arsenal eventually made an offer, and that’s how I ended up here,” the Spaniard explained.

When asked to name the club, he replied: “It was Bayern Munich.”

Arsenal paid a reported €3.5 million loan fee before making the transfer permanent for €31.9 million. Bayern withdrew from negotiations after Brentford reportedly demanded a higher fee, potentially reaching €46.5 million.

Instead, Bayern signed Daniel Peretz from Maccabi Tel Aviv for €5 million and relied on Sven Ulreich until Neuer returned in October 2023.

Raya has since established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 157 appearances for the Gunners and keeping 73 clean sheets. The Spanish international, who won the European Championship in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026, remains under contract in London until 2028.

Tonight, Raya will face the club he nearly joined as Arsenal visit Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Click here for the confirmed lineups for this match!