According to Alfredo Pedulla, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Daniele Rugani ahead of a potential two-year loan move. The Gunners are willing to offer the defender €4 million per season. But, Juventus are keen on including a vital clause in the loan contract that will force the Premier League club to permanently sign the Italian international for a fee of €40 million following the end of his loan spell.
Rugani transferring to Arsenal could be another one of Raul Sannlehi’s exploits in the ongoing summer transfer window. But, can he really solve the club’s defensive problems?
The Italian can improve Arsenal’s build-up play
It is probably needless to say that Sokratis is not the best of passers in the Premier League. The Greek international attained an impressive pass completion rate of 89% last season. But, most of his passes tend to be meaningless, vertical ones with minimal incision. He also struggles to pass in between the lines.
Rugani, in that regard, should enhance Arsenal’s build-up from the back with his supreme passing skills. Indeed, the 25-year-old is capable of moving forward and finding midfielders or attackers with his sharp, laser focussed passes. He can also thread long cross-field balls, having averaged over two accurate long passes per game last season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Rugani’s technical skill should complement Sokratis
Despite his shortcomings, when it comes to passing the ball out from the back, Sokratis is a sturdy defender. The ex-Dortmund star is capable of keeping up with his marker, though he is, at times, guilty of lacking focus or making a defensive error.
But, the Greek’s robust and no-nonsense style of defending should complement the more technically gifted figure of Rugani. Unlike Sokratis, the Italian loves to move forward and make an early interception. Besides, he can also use his runs to break the opposition’s pressing scheme, forcing them to deploy at least one attacker to close him down.
Sokratis, in that regard, could provide the security in case the Italian lets go of possession. Similarly, Rugani can be in charge of delivering that breakthrough pass, releasing Sokratis of his burden of augmenting his side’s build-up play.
Experience could be key
Rugani has struggled to make a notable impact in the Juventus first-team. But, he still has a considerable amount of experience at the highest level of football. The 25-year-old notably made 87 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri. Also, the defender has appeared in over 100 matches in the Italian top flight.
And this experience could be invaluable for Rugani in his bid to settle into the Premier League. It also makes him a less risky option when compared to the likes of Rob Holding and another prime defensive target in Dayot Upamecano. Therefore, it’s probably fair to say that Rugani is the best defensive option for the Gunners at the moment.
