It looks like Arsenal are furthering their scouting reports for a defensive addition and are interested in signing out-of-favour Juventus centre-half, Daniele Rugani. When asked about the player’s future, Rugani’s agent, Davide Torchia said, “Arsenal? They didn’t launch any attempts for him. They expressed a liking for him but we have respect for Juventus.”
The North London club missed out on a defender when AS Roma rejected their bid for Kostas Manolas and West Brom charged an exorbitant amount for Jonny Evans in the late stages of the January transfer window. Even if the club is looking for a wing option a defender should be their primary concern judging the woeful defensive record they currently hold in the Premier League – the worst one among the top 6. With 35-goals conceded so far in the league, clearly, the backline has been one of their worst enemies this season with Wenger struggling to adapt to the back three formation.
Laurent Koscielny might just have been caught by the ageing bug and the Frenchman has struggled to maintain his form this season. After being hit with an injury snag, the 32-year-old has looked like a shadow of his old dominant self in an Arsenal shirt. Often making the wrong decisions and failing to keep up with the pace of the opposition attackers, he can no longer be relied upon to lead the defensive line day in and day out.
Shkodran Mustafi is the best option in the backline but has lacked the cutting edge to really lead the side. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have been provided with an opportunity to prove themselves over the season but has looked vulnerable at times. The young duo is a huge part of the club’s future but without consistency, they will have a tough time breaking into the starting XI.
Per Mertesacker’s retirement after this season will leave a gap in the club ranks in terms of leadership and experience and Wenger will have to find a replacement in the summer. Even though Rugani is just 23, the defender has shown signs of excellence during his days with Empoli. He is a product of the Empoli youth ranks and was bought out by Juventus in the summer of 2013.
After making his Serie A debut on 32 August 2014, Rugani developed his game with the Azzurri and went on to make 81 total appearances for the club. He has managed just 15 appearances this season and is currently below the pecking order under Juventus boss, Massimiliano Allegri. Arsenal can capitalize on the situation by providing him with an escape to the Emirates.
