Sergio Ramos snubbed huge interest from Arsenal and Manchester City in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report.
The defender made headlines this year when Madrid announced he would be leaving. After playing 671 matches and over 100 goals, he became a free agent despite his club’s efforts to keep him.
As such, the race began to sign the 35-year-old, who had initial transfer links with a move to Manchester United.
While Paris Saint-Germain eventually won the race for Ramos, though, Goal claims that he could have made the move to the Premier League.
Arsenal and Man City both tabled lucrative contract offers for the central defender. The Gunners offered him £15m per season on a two-year deal. Ramos has signed a two-year deal at PSG, but will take home £13m each season.
Despite offering more, the defender turned down Arsenal because they won’t be playing in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Ramos has made a career out of leading his club to Europe’s biggest trophy. Consequently, he wanted to continue that legacy in France.
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In fact, the allure of winning PSG’s first Champions League would also have proved a major factor.
Arsenal have had strong transfer links with Brighton defender Ben White in recent weeks, though, and have already agreed personal terms.
Man City who will play in the Champions League next season, also offered him a two year deal. Had he joined Guardiola’s side, though, he would have moved to New York City for three years thereafter.
Still, Ramos could not reject a move to France. The veteran will be looking to get back into the Spain team after being left out for Euro 2020.