Arsenal + Man Utd Ready For January Battle Over €15m Italian International

The summer transfer window may be closed but managers are already thinking ahead to future transfer windows so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Man Utd are linked with Angelo Ogbonna.

Arsenal and Manchester United are ready to do battle over €15m-rated Italian international centre-back Angelo Ogbonna this January, according to reports.

The 26-year-old only moved to Juventus in the summer of 2013 after a hugely impressive spell at Torino but his time in Turin hasn’t gone according to plan, with the player only managing 20 appearances in all competitions so far.

His lack of playing time has led to speculation he could be seeking a move away from the Serie A champions already and it appears he could have options to try his luck in the Premier League if he does jump ship.

The Metro are citing reports coming out of Italy that claim Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the defenders situation with both clubs ready to make their interest official when the transfer window reopens in January if given any indication Ogbonna is open to a move.

Arsene Wenger faced criticism from fans after failing to bring in another centre-back in the summer with Calum Chambers the only back-up to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, so Ogbonna would add some much-needed depth to the Gunners squad.

Louis van Gaal is also expected to dip into the transfer market again this winter after seeing his defence decimated by injuries this season, with the Dutchman forced to play youth players such as Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair due to a number of first team regulars being sidelined.

However, much will depend on the amount of game-time Ogbonna gets under new boss Max Allegri between now and January but the Metro seem to suggest that should the Italian international be sold, Juve would want around €15m.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or United would be willing to meet that figure but it seems a reasonable fee for a player of his quality and experience, so we’ll just have to wait and see how things develop over the coming weeks.