Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stated in an interview that he had the chance to join Arsenal when he left Schalke 04 U19.
Neuer said: “When I left Schalke U19 youth team, both Cologne and Arsenal were interested in me. But I didn’t want to go abroad because I knew very well that it’s extremely difficult for a young goalkeeper to establish himself overseas.” Neuer added that he had seriously considered the opportunity to transfer to Arsenal, a Premier League club, because Arsène Wenger, the Gunners’ manager at that time, could speak German.
However, Neuer ultimately decided not to play abroad. He was promoted from Schalke U19 to the first team and transferred from Schalke to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2011.
