Arsenal Open Talks - Star Defender To Be Arsene Wenger’s 4th Summer Signing – Report

According to reports, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in long-term transfer target Juventus defender Daniele Rugani by submitting a £25m bid with Arsene Wenger keen to bring in new reinforcements to boost his defensive options ahead of next season.

Moreover, the Juve defender could be ready to move to the Emirates stadium this summer to become Arsenal's fourth summer signing.

The Gunners boss has already signed a quality midfielder – Granit Xhaka – and the Frenchman is desperately trying to land a top class striker. However, another classy centre-back is also believed to be on his shopping list.

Several players have been linked with a move to the Emirates, including Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, but reports from the Italian news outlet Calciomercato claim his price-tag has been pushed up to around £40m, which has made the Frenchman return his attention to Rugani.

The Italian international has been on the Gunners radar for some time and reports from the Italian news outlet suggest that the north London club have now stepped up their interest by approaching Juventus with a formal £25m offer.

The 21-year-old is one of the most highly-rated defenders in Serie A, but has been struggling to get regular first-team football in Turin with Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, and Andrea Barzagli all selected ahead of him in Massimiliano Allegri’s pecking order.

The Gunners should be able to offer the youngster more guaranteed action, as the club need a long-term partner for Koscielny and, with Mertesacker’s lack of pace still a major problem and Gabriel's failure to cement a first-team place, it is clear that Arsenal need to reinforce central defence.

However, the north London club will have to dig a little deeper if they want the Italian star at the Emirates this summer, as the report from the Italian news outlet says Juventus are keen to keep hold of him and have now rejected the Gunners' offer for the Italian.

Let’s wait and see whether Wenger will go back in with a second bid, but personally I hope he does as Rugani would be a superb addition to the squad. He has the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in Europe and could be a superb partner for Koscielny for years to come.

There are also reports earlier this week that confirmed the sale of Isaac Hayden to Newcastle, while other reports from media are claiming Wojciech Szczesny could be the next Gunner to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.