Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all expressed a strong interest in Blaise Matuidi before the midfielder completed a summer move to Juventus, according to reports in France.
The 30-year-old star left Paris Saint-Germain to sign a three-year contract with the Serie A giants in mid-August – for an initial fee of only £18million – after years of speculation linking him with a Premier League switch.
France Football suggest Matuidi had his heart set on a move to Juve having initially held negotiations with the Italian outfit in the summer of 2016.
However, it’s claimed Arsenal, United and City were all interested in the France international before he completed his move to Turin.
Upon Matuidi’s departure from PSG, club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated: ‘I will always have great memories of Blaise’s six seasons with our club.
‘He is a player who played every match with generosity and a permanent desire to win everything, earning admiration from everyone.
‘Blaise will remain in our hearts and he will always be welcome in the big PSG family.
‘We wish him every success in his first challenge abroad and every success with the France national team in this World Cup season.’
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