Arsenal missed out on the chance to sign Real Madrid star Federico Valverde at a young age, according to recent reports. The Uruguay international has since had a very different career, going on to become a useful player at the disposal of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The 24-year-old joined Los Blancos in 2016 as a youth prospect from Uruguayan club Peñarol, having been linked with the Gunners, along with Barcelona and Chelsea. From there, he has continued to rise through the ranks to become a first-team star, making over 100 appearances.
Last season saw a shining moment for Valverde as he helped guide the Spanish club to another league title and Champions League triumph. It's led to plenty of praise from Ancelotti, who recently said: "His [Federico Valverde's] qualities are not only his energy, but also his intelligence, knowing how to read situations well. Is he the best in the world in his position? We’ll wait a bit."
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While it has been a glimmering career for someone yet to reach his peak years, things may have turned out somewhat differently for the midfielder. That's because, according to a report from AS, via the Mirror, there was clear interest from Arsenal over a move when he was still a youth player.
The report claims Valverde was offered to then manager Arsene Wenger, with his agent travelling to London in December 2014 to hold talks over a switch. There was believed to be a verbal agreement, with claims that training had even taken place for the youngster after being shown around the place.
The club eventually decided not to make the final leap to secure his signature, something that appears to have come back to bite them.
Given his versatility under Ancelotti - playing anywhere from central midfield to wing-back to being a false nine - it's left up to the imagination just how much joy Mikel Arteta could get out of a player of his calibre with the current team.
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