Arsene Wenger was reportedly close to providing Arsenal with the perfect player to slot into the Arsenal midfield. The former Gunners’ boss was close to signing Federico Valverde in 2014 according to Spanish news outlets.
AS has reported that the midfielder had ‘reached a verbal agreement’ with Arsenal when he was still at former club Penarol. He had been scouted by Arsenal’s Francis Cagigao, who was Arsene Wenger’s right-hand man for more than two decades at the club.
Considering the success of Valverde who is now a regular starter at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, and Arsenal’s desperate need for midfield strengthening in the transfer window, it would have been a match made in heaven for the Gunners.
READ MORE: Edu must be proactive with Arsenal transfer amid Barcelona's shock swoop for Real Madrid star
The report from AS goes on to claim that Cagigao had scouted Valverde after watching him in several games and convinced the player, his family and his agent that a move to Arsenal would be the ideal decision. This led to the player and his agent flying to London in December 2014, as he spent six days in the capital, staying at the Sopwell House Hotel near Arsenal’s Training Centre.
Despite training with the first team on one occasion, the transfer situation reportedly changed for Valverde after the South American Under 17 Championship in Paraguay, where the Uruguayan scored seven goals. This ultimately persuaded Real Madrid to secure his signature, which left Arsenal dumbfounded after tabling a €3million (£2.7million) bid for the youngster.
Since Valverde’s decision to join Real Madrid he has gone on to become one of the most prominent midfielders in European football. This was epitomised by his excellent assist in last season’s Champions League final for Los Blancos against Liverpool which ultimately became the deciding goal in the fixture.
With Arsenal’s current shortages in the midfield, and injury worries to Thomas Partey, the thought of potentially having Valverde as an option in the middle of the park would certainly be a dream for the Gunners, which Wenger had almost pulled off.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal attempt to secure Bukayo Saka deal made difficult amid Kylian Mbappe transfer decision
Ben White and four Arsenal players to benefit from FIFA announcement before World Cup deadline
Gabriel Martinelli reveals unexpected secret talent with Granit Xhaka in Arsenal truth challenge
Tielemans, Luiz - Edu and Mikel Arteta have key free transfers to upgrade Arsenal's midfield
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
