How Arsenal Missed Out on Signing Federico Valverde, Now a Key Figure at Real Madrid

In recent years, Federico Valverde has emerged as one of the world’s premier central midfielders, securing a pivotal role in the plans of Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. It appears that Valverde’s future is bright at Los Blancos, but his career could have taken a different path.

In 2016, Valverde was plying his trade for Penarol in his native Uruguay when he was given a week-long trial with Premier League giants Arsenal. Regrettably, as reported by MD, he failed to make a lasting impression on then-Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger, who opted not to sign Valverde.

The 25-year-old midfielder eventually found his way to Real Madrid in the same year. He initially began his journey with Real Madrid Castilla before a loan spell with Deportivo La Coruna aided his transition to the first team at Los Blancos. Valverde made significant contributions under the management of Julen Lopetegui and later Zinedine Zidane.

Arsenal may well be ruing the missed opportunity to secure Valverde’s talents, but there is no doubt that Real Madrid has reaped the rewards of their decision to sign him.