The End Of Per Mertesacker? Arsenal Plot Move For £25m Rated Chelsea CB Target

Reigning English FA Cup champions, Arsenal are interested in luring Juventus’ Daniele Rugani to the Emirates and have sent his most-trusted scouts to see the in highly-rated defender action, as per Calcio Mercato.

Rugani was a subject of an interest from Arsenal during the summer but the move did not materialise, as the Gunners becoming the only side in Europe’s top five leagues to not sign any outfield players. However, boss Arsene Wenger is now keen to bring in a defender after watching his side fall to another defeat in the Champions League this season; this time a 3-2 home loss to Greek side Olympiakos on Tuesday evening.

The Gunners are alerted to the quality of the defender and have made him a target for the defence during January transfer window. Rugani performed impressively for Empoli last season and Juventus bought out the remaining rights from the Tuscan club last February for an amount of £3.5m.

The 21-year old Italy Under-21 international is behind the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres in the pecking order. And despite Juventus’ stance of holding on to the 21-year old centre-half, Rugani has failed to make any appearance for the Bianconeri in their opening six games.

Meanwhile, the Gunners were the only side in all of Europe’s top five leagues to not sign any outfield player during the last transfer window, having brought in only goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea earlier on in the summer.

Fans of Arsenal have shown clear frustrations for the club’s lack of transfer activity and there have been agitation for manager Arsene Wenger to make some signings in the new year. The North Londoners have been tipped for a title tilt this term and they could fail to win the league again if suitable signings are not made.

Arsenal’s next game sees them tackle Manchester United in a game which, if the Red Devils win, they will maintain their lead at the top of the table, but the Gunners will also be hoping to win the match in order to close the gap with the leaders.