Reports | Arsenal’s loan offer for Daniele Rugani turned down by Juventus
Arsenal’s loan offer for Juventus star Daniele Rugani has been turned down, despite the fact that the 25-year-old is now surplus to requirements. The Gunners are looking to reinforce their back-line with Laurent Koscielny on his way out and believe that Rugani is the best man for the job.
While Arsenal may have demolished their club transfer record with a move for Nicolas Pepe this week, their back-line still needs immediate surgery. The North London side shipped in 51 goals last season, the second-highest amongst the top six and the top ten sides. Only Manchester United conceded more goals last season and things need to change.
However, while William Saliba’s presence will help the club, the young Frenchman has returned back to Saint Etienne on a season-long loan spell. That combined with Koscielny’s strike and Rob Holding still on his way back to full fitness, leaves Arsenal with just Sokratis, Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi. But even the German has been linked with a move to AS Monaco in recent weeks.
This might change, with reports indicating that Arsenal are keen on making a move for Daniele Rugani, although a permanent move might be out of the question, given the club's budgetary issues. The 25-year-old only signed a new deal with Juventus in April and that has seen the Old Lady demand a £40 million fee for the Italian center-back.
But there is the potential of a loan move with the Metro reporting that Arsenal have tabled an offer of a two-year loan spell with the option to buy. The report further adds that Juventus have turned down that offer despite Rugani being surplus to requirements. The arrival of Matthijs de Ligt has added more competition, but with Giorgio Chiellini still injured, Juventus are willing to keep Rugani for the time being.