{"id":1675,"date":"2026-03-21T14:23:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=1675"},"modified":"2026-03-21T14:23:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T14:23:28","slug":"david-raya-reveals-bayern-munich-move-he-nearly-made-before-arsenal-transfer-read-arsenal-f-c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osport.com.ng\/?p=1675","title":{"rendered":"David Raya reveals Bayern Munich move he nearly made before Arsenal transfer – Read Arsenal F.C."},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed he came close to joining Bayern Munich before completing his move to the Gunners, offering a fascinating insight into a transfer that could have changed his career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Spaniard has become a key figure under Mikel Arteta, but his journey to north London could have taken a very different turn. Raya has now confirmed that a move elsewhere was close before Arsenal stepped in.<\/p>\n

His comments add further context to his rise at the Emirates, where his performances and underlying numbers have already highlighted his importance to the team.<\/p>\n

Raya opens up on Bayern Munich\u2019s pre-Arsenal interest<\/strong> <\/h2>\n

Speaking about his situation before joining Arsenal, Raya admitted he was close to signing for another club. He said:\u00a0\u201cI was very close to go to another club\u2026 luckily that didn\u2019t happen, and Arsenal made the bid,\u201d before confirming the identity of that club. He added: <\/p>\n

\u201cThe club was FC Bayern.\u201d<\/p>\n

The revelation highlights the level of interest in Raya before his move to Arsenal, with one of Europe\u2019s elite clubs close to securing his signature. <\/p>\n

It was Arteta and the Gunners, however, who were able to get their hands on the Spaniard and they haven\u2019t looked back since. David Raya, 30, has since made 136 appearances for the London club.<\/p>\n

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David Raya: <\/p>\n

“I was very close to go to another club\u2026Luckily that didn’t happen, and Arsenal made the bid. <\/p>\n

(That club) was Bavaria.” (sky) pic.twitter.com\/4csHxAvJLd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 AfcVIP\u2074\u2079 (@VipArsenal) March 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Arsenal move proves decisive<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Arsenal\u2019s decision to step in ultimately changed the trajectory of Raya\u2019s career as he is now a regular challenger for the Premier League title. He and his teammates are yet to get their hands on silverware but that could all change in 2025\/26.<\/p>\n

Since arriving, the shot stopper has established himself as a crucial part of Arteta\u2019s system, offering composure in possession and reliability between the posts.<\/p>\n

His ability to contribute to Arsenal\u2019s build-up play has become a defining feature of the team\u2019s style, something that has already been reflected in .<\/p>\n

From near-miss to key figure at the Emirates<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Raya\u2019s comments underline how different things could have been, with Bayern Munich representing a completely separate pathway. They currently boast Manuel Neuer between the sticks but will looking for a replacement for the German.<\/p>\n

Instead of moving to Germany, it was Arsenal who provided the platform for him to develop into a central figure within a title-challenging side \u2013 and he\u2019s been vital in Arsenal\u2019s ability to tighten up at the back.<\/p>\n

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That trajectory now feels increasingly clear, with his influence continuing to grow as Arsenal push forward. A leader on and off the pitch, Raya\u2019s status among his teammates cannot be understated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n