Arsenal prepare £35.4m January bid for Juventus defender

Arsenal are preparing a January bid worth £35.4m for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, reports The Daily Mirror. 

Arsene Wenger has made signing a new centre-back a priority in the January transfer window and Arsenal are also interested in moving for Chelsea outcast David Luiz. 

Rugani has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past and Wenger is ready to firm up the club’s interest next month. 

The 23-year-old has found first-team chances easier to come by this season following the departure of Leonardo Bonucci over the summer but he is still not considered first choice for Maxi Allegri. 

The Italy international has started 10 Serie A games this season but was not favoured during the group stages of the Champions League, making just two appearances. 

In fact, Rugani has only featured in two of Juventus’ last six matches. Arsenal could face competition from Manchester United if the Old Lady are willing to sell the Italian defender. 

Juventus have a far superior win ratio in Serie A with Rugani in the starting XI (90%) this season compared to the seven matches he has not started (57.1%).