flag
back Voltar
Arsenal star reveals why he turned down Bayern transfer to play for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but one of Mikel Arteta's men could have ended up being on the other side of the pitch if fate played out different

Mikel Arteta gestures

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal signed David Raya in 2024(Image: Adam Davy/Press Association)

David Raya has revealed that negotiations tipped his heart in Arsenal's favour when he could have signed for Bayern Munich instead.

The Gunners have travelled to Germany ahead of Wednesday evening's Champions League clash with the Bavarians at the Allianz Arena.

And first-choice goalkeeper, Raya, spoke with the press on Tuesday looking toward the encounter.

After briefly discussing his Ballon d'Or nomination, the topic of conversation quickly turned to Raya's chance of signing for the Bavarians back in 2024.

The 31-year-old was a man in demand following a fruitful loan spell with the Gunners from Brentford in 2023/24, with Arsenal ultimately able to secure the Spaniard on a permanent contract for £27million.

Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

However, Arsenal weren't the only team vying for Raya's services, with Vincent Kompany's Bundesliga titles also in the running at the time.

Now, Raya has revealed why he made his way to north London instead of Bavaria.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

He said: "Well, I'm not going to speak about what could have happened or whatnot.

"At the end of the day, I chose to sign for Arsenal with no disrespect to Bayern.

"It was just the negotiations that we had, but at the end of the day, I signed for Arsenal that year."

David Raya speaks

David Raya could have signed for Bayern Munich(Image: Adam Davy/Press Association)

It comes as Raya's full focus will be on the task that awaits at the Allianz on Wednesday evening, with Arsenal looking to finally secure the Champions League title that has evaded them throughout history.

Mikel Arteta's men have won both of their opening fixtures in the UCL thus far, enjoying a 1-0 win over Napoli in September before putting LOSC to the sword earlier this month with a 3-0 win on home soil.

You may like

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners tell Real Madrid that 'valuable' star will only be sold for fee in...

sportsmole.co.uk 4 horas atrás

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta lauds Vincent Kompany, eager for Bayern Munich showdown

bavarianfootballworks.com 8 horas atrás

'I saw Rio Ngumoha prove Andoni Iraola right — and instantly deliver on Liverpool wish'

liverpool.com 2 horas atrás

Chelsea made last-minute phone call to try and hijack £42m Arsenal transfer

arsenalinsider.com 19 horas atrás

Phil Foden gesture after Man City goal cannot disguise Enzo Maresca hope

Manchester Evening News 8 horas atrás

PSG beat Barcelona in Champions League classic, Liverpool edge seven-goal thriller

thenationalnews.com 3 horas atrás

PSG 4-2 Barcelona: Highlights, stats, man of the match as European champions win Champions League...

sportsmole.co.uk 8 horas atrás

'Alan Shearer behaviour spoke volumes after I broke golden rule in Newcastle relegation fight'

Mirror 1 hora atrás

Steve Bruce thinks Arsenal made two ‘outstanding’ signings this summer

arsenalinsider.com 12 horas atrás

Florian Wirtz proposition emerges as Andoni Iraola finds intriguing solution to Liverpool problem

Liverpool Echo 1 hora atrás