Arsenal goalkeeper reveals Bayern transfer interest as Man Utd target Gunners ace

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David Raya has revealed he came “very close” to joining Bayern Munich before completing his move to Arsenal, while Manchester United are reportedly targeting promising left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Spanish goalkeeper first arrived at Emirates Stadium on loan from Brentford in 2023, with Arsenal making the deal permanent a year later for approximately £30million. However, according to Football London, Bayern Munich had made a determined effort to secure his signature before the Gunners swooped in.

Raya’s Bayern revelation

Speaking to Sky Sports, Raya disclosed the extent of Bayern’s interest in his services. “I was very close to going to another club. Obviously everything happened with Arsenal, but I was very, very close to going to another club,” he explained.

“But luckily that didn’t happen and Arsenal in the end made the bid and I came here. Yeah, it was Bayern Munich. It was the best choice I’ve made, to come to this club.”

Like Arsenal, the Bundesliga giants were considering an initial loan arrangement with the intention of making it permanent. Raya has since established himself as Arsenal’s undisputed number one, with his performances over the past three seasons earning recognition as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.

United eye Lewis-Skelly

Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for 19-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. The England youth international has found game time limited this season, operating as backup behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.

Lewis-Skelly hasn’t featured since Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Wigan last month and hasn’t appeared in the Premier League since early January. This represents a significant shift for a player who broke into the first team last season and appeared poised to establish himself as a long-term option.

United have reportedly placed Lewis-Skelly on a four-player shortlist as they look to strengthen their left-back position. Ongoing concerns about Luke Shaw’s injury history and expectations that Tyrell Malacia could depart have heightened their need for reinforcements in that area.

It remains uncertain whether Arsenal would sanction a transfer to a direct rival, particularly given Lewis-Skelly’s potential and status as an academy graduate. However, with Michael Carrick overseeing progress at Old Trafford and first-team opportunities currently limited at Emirates Stadium, a move could appeal to the young defender.

The summer transfer window could prove pivotal for both players, with Raya likely to remain Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper while Lewis-Skelly faces a crucial decision about his immediate future.