Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has revealed that he had an opportunity to join Arsenal earlier in his career.
The 39-year-old spoke to At Broski – Die Sport-Show to go over his long career. This is when he spoke about Arsenal’s approach and Hamburger Morgenpost have relayed his comments.
Neuer came up through the ranks of Schalke’s academy and spent six years with their first team between 2005 and 2011. His fine displays convinced Bayern Munich to bet on him in 2011, and the German has been their No.1 since then.
Arsenal arrived much before that, after the stopper represented Schalke U19s. He’s explained the Gunners and 1. FC Köln were both “very interested” in him.
Arsenal move seen as a risk
Manuel Neuer
MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 9th 2025: UEFA Champions League – FC Bayern München vs. Sporting CP. Pictured: Manuel Neuer, of FC Bayern Munich, talks with Alphonso Davies, of FC Bayern Munich,
The Bayern Munich star then explained why he didn’t consider joining the Premier League side back then.
He said: “But I didn’t want to go abroad because I knew it would be difficult as a youth international goalkeeper.
“You might not be able to really establish yourself in England. You need to have a good reputation to become the number one.”
The experienced goalkeeper was part of Schalke U19 between 2003 and 2005. Arsenal will have looked at him during that period or just after he made his first team debut for Schalke.
Neuer’s decision not to consider either the north London club or FC Köln saw him represent his boyhood club until 2011.