Report: Arsenal still want Juventus star, player leaning towards exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Italian outlet Il Bianconero has claimed that Arsenal are still interested in signing Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, and the player is edging ever closer to a January exit from the Italian champions.

Rugani, 25, has clocked up 87 appearances for Juventus since joining the club from Empoli in the 2015 winter window, but this season has failed to add to that tally even once. He has remained an unused substitute in 10 of 12 games for Juve this term.

The seven-time Italy international is behind the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci and new signing Merih Demiral. He has little chance of reigniting a career at Juve.

The report claims Rugani is being ‘more and more convinced’ of leaving Arsenal, while Arsenal are still keen on the defender after failing to land the star in the summer. Roma are no longer interested in the centre-back.

The Times claimed in the summer that Arsenal had a bid of a two-year loan rejected, while Wolves made an offer worth £30million.

TBR’s view – Rugani would be an excellent signing for Arsenal

Arsenal have needed to solve their centre-back crisis for years. Unai Emery had the chance to do so in the summer, but opted to sign David Luiz from Chelsea instead of spending big and finally sorting out the issue.

The Gunners desperately need to sign a centre-back in January and finally look to solve their problems at the back. Surely, at £30million, Italy cap Rugani would be an excellent signing. It is one Emery has got to make.