The agent of Rennes defender Daniele Rugani admits Arsenal and Chelsea were also keen.

Rugani joined Ligue 1 side Rennes on a season-long loan from Juventus earlier this month, while his representative claims he has also come close to a permanent move to a number of European giants.

Asked if Juventus had turned down €40million (£36million) for his client, agent Davide Torchia told TMW Radio: “At the time, Arsenal, Napoli, Chelsea, Zenit and Lyon arrived at around €30million (£27million) and [they] were never taken into consideration.

"For those prices, Juve did not sell him, and I do not dispute whether they did right or wrong."

He added: “With Sarri at Chelsea, then there was an offer close to €40million, and Juve said no there too. Also because they needed to understand who the substitute is and how much it costs.

"Now he has gone away on an onerous loan, and that's the market. Many then criticised the excessive salaries, 3-4million, but it is not true.

"Instead of taking the bait, you listen to certain serious broadcasts like this and maybe something comes out."