Arsenal Set To Make Formal €15m Bid For Italian Defender

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are linked with Daniele Rugani….

Arsenal are set to table a formal €15m offer for on loan Juventus defender Daniele Rugani as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his defensive options this summer, according to reports.

Rugani made a permanent move to Juve in the summer of 2013 but before making a single appearance for his new club, he was immediately sent back on loan to Empoli where he began his career as a youth player.

The 20-year-old has been impressing over the past two seasons at the heart of the Empoli defence with his performances being closely monitored by Juve officials.

The Metro claim that the Old Lady are ready to send him out on loan once again next season and this decision has supposedly prompted Arsenal into action.

The Gunners have no interest in taking Rugani on loan but the newspaper suggests that the North Londoners will instead try their luck at a permanent deal by testing Juve’s resolve with a €15m (£11m) bid.

It remains to be seen whether the Serie A champions will be tempted to cash-in but the player recently admitted he’s flattered to learn that a ‘great coach’ like Arsene Wenger wants him – although he did suggest he wants to try and forge a career at Juventus.

Rugani is quoted as saying:

“Wenger wants me? It’s gratifying to know that such a great coach was interested,”

“But honestly I’m glad to have been redeemed by Juventus, I’ve been a Juventino since childhood and I hope to stay in Turin for 10 years.”

So a lot will depend on what Juventus decide to do this summer. It appears the player would like to try and be a success at his childhood club but if they are prepared to sell, then a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.

The Under-21 Italian international is highly thought of in his home country and is expected to go on to become a full senior international over the coming years, so he could be a useful back-up to the likes of Gabriel Paulista and Laurent Koscielny next season.

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However, if Arsene does bring in another central defender such as Rugani then it would put Per Mertesackers future in serious doubt, with the experienced German tipped to head back to his homeland.