Sergio Aguero’s father has revealed that both Chelsea and Arsenal were interested in signing the striker before he joined Barcelona this week.
The Argentine frontman left Manchester City at the end of the 2020/21 season after a decade of service at the Etihad Stadium.
Links with the Catalan giants emerged following the announcement of his decision to leave the club, with Thomas Tuchel’s Blues also being talked up as potential surprise suitors.
Aguero’s father, Leonel, has revealed the Blues, alongside the Gunners, actually were interested in acquiring his services and were only denied by his move to Barcelona at the pivotal moment.
Talking to Radio Le Red, Aguero senior said: “He is happy right now after signing for Barcelona. I see him happy.
“He didn’t know what was going to happen with his future. There were several clubs interested in signing him.
“Arsenal were interested in him and Chelsea to the last minute. If he didn’t stay in England, it was going to be Italy or Spain.
“He’s been friends with Lionel Messi since they were 15 and they’ve always talked.
“It looks like Messi is going to stay at Barcelona so they’re going to play together.”
Missing out on Aguero will have been a huge blow for Tuchel as he aims to bolster his attacking options.
The reigning European champions have been linked with a number of strikers ahead of next season, including Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku.
However, the former Manchester United man has confirmed that he is going to remain in Italy.
He said: “Yes, I am staying. I've already had contact with the man who normally becomes our new manager. Maybe I shouldn't say that yet... but it was a very positive conversation.”
