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Juventus star Miralem Pjanic reveals why he snubbed Arsenal and Tottenham transfers
JUVENTUS midfielder Miralem Pjanic has admitted he has rejected moves to Arsenal and Tottenham in the past.
Miralem Pjanic has admitted he rejected the opportunity to join Arsenal and Tottenham
Miralem Pjanic is one of the best midfielders in the world but is yet to grace the Premier League, spending much of his career in Italy.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international made a name for himself at Roma, before moving to Serie A champions Juventus in 2016.
However, the 27-year-old has admitted things could have been very different had he accepted offers from Arsenal and Tottenham in the past.
When asked if he had ever turned down a move to England, Pjanic told The Telegraph: “You want to know the names? They were Arsenal and Tottenham.”
Tottenham wanted Miralem Pjanic to replace Luka Modric in 2012
Miralem Pjanic - 5 things you need to know
The Gunners were first to come knocking and attempted to sign the midfielder prior to his move to Lyon from Metz in 2008.
Spurs also showed interest in 2012 as they sought a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Luka Modric but Pjanic turned them down and does not regret his decision.
“There was the opportunity but at that moment I told them I was happy where I was and that’s why we didn’t sign the deal,” he added.
“But I made my choice using my head and if I made that choice not to go to an English team it was for good reasons.”
Pjanic will get the opportunity to face off against his would-be suitors this week as Spurs travel to Juventus in the Champions League.
And the midfielder expects a tough test, although he admitted Juve are determined to go all the way in the tournament this year.
“We are very competitive, very hungry and we definitely want to win it,” he said.
“But Tottenham are a great team.”
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