Arsenal among four English clubs are showing an interest in Daniele Rugani of Juventus and could make a move for the defender in the summer to the Premier League
According to Transfer Market web, Arsenal are leading the pack of English clubs interested in bringing Daniele Rugani from Juventus in the summer. They will have to compete with Everton, Southampton and West Brom for the highly rated Italian defender’s signature, if Juventus do sanction a sale.
Although there is plenty of interest from English clubs, Arsenal could be a preferred destination for Daniele Rugani, if the Gunners’ further their initial interest in the Italian. For Rugani, a move to the Emirates could be more tempting, considering their history and quality of their squad.
All these clubs are in need of defensive reinforcements, especially Arsenal, who were reported to had two bids rejected by Juventus during the January window. They were in the market for a central defender, but despite their outlay on attacking talents, the Gunners failed to sign a prominent defender during the window.
Rugani, was, however, believed to have been an alternative choice, who were on the trail of West Brom’s Jonny Evans. West Brom rejected a number of Arsenal approaches for their captain, who alternatively could be available for as little as £3 million in the summer if West Brom are relegated from the Premier League.
Arsenal’s approach now in the summer could be substantial as club captain Per Mertesacker set to retire as well Arsene Wenger looking for younger, long-term alternatives to the ageing Laurent Koscielny. Rugani would represent a good deal, as the Italian is young and competitive.
Rugani’s situation at Juventus is key to his future at the club, as the defender has only featured 11 times in Serie A this season, despite the departure of Leonardo Bonucci to AC Milan in the summer. After Bonucci’s sale, there were hopes for Rugani to feature more regularly in the league and Champions League, but that has not be the case so far.
Rugani could be seeking a move elsewhere, as Juventus are linked with a move for Allessio Romagnoli of AC Milan in the summer. The arrival of the Milan defender as well any other defensive targets to Juventus could further push Rugani back in the pecking order.
It is a belief that Juventus see Rugani as the future and are biding time with other starters in the team as their age states, their time on top of the game could be coming to an end.
Other English clubs could also be looking at Rugani, and there is a certainty of the Italian playing in the starting-11 in any of these clubs. Although the Italian may consider Everton, Southampton and West Brom as a downgrade to his promising career, and this could swerve the deal in Arsenal’s favour.
