The Uruguay international has established himself as one of the top midfielders in world football, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League since moving to the Spanish capital.
But things could have turned out very differently for the 25-year-old when he decided to leave Penarol in 2016.
Valverde chose Real Madrid but now he has revealed that Arsenal was also among the destinations he considered.
Valverde almost joined Arsenal.
Speaking in an interview on Twitch, the midfielder was asked a series of quick questions, including one about whether there were any other clubs he almost joined. Valverde replied immediately: “Arsenal”.
The Gunners’ interest first emerged in 2015, when Arsene Wenger was still in charge of the club. That’s when teams across Europe took notice of Valverde after a breakthrough season with Penarol.
It’s obviously quite a shame that Arsenal somehow lost one of the most classy midfielders today.
Tieu Lam | 05:28 October 21, 2023
