Arsenal had reportedly reached a 'verbal agreement' with representatives with Real Madrid star Federico Valverde before he joined the LaLiga giants.
The 24-year-old is a star player at the Bernabeu under manager Carlo Ancelotti, having won two LaLiga titles and the Champions League since he joined from Uruguayan side Penarol in 2016.
However, things could have been very different as former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger almost signed the midfielder before he joined Madrid, according to AS.
Valverde was recommended to former manager Arsene Wenger (pictured) by Francis Cagigao
The report has suggested that the club had reached a verbal agreement with Valverde after he had been scouted by Francis Cagigao, who had recommended the player to Wenger.