Arsenal Transfer News: Rumours on Daniele Rugani, Roberto Firmino

Arsenal strengthened their back line with the addition of Gabriel Paulista during the winter transfer window, but according to rumours from Italy, the defender was only their second choice after they missed out on Italy international Daniele Rugani.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A's top young prospects and was reportedly high on Arsene Wenger's wish list, per Tuttosport (h/t Metro's Simon Osborn):

"

The Gunners splashed out more than £11m on Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista but reports in Italy claim the 24-year-old was only Arsene Wenger’s second choice.

Tuttosport claim Arsenal had hoped to sign Juventus’ Daniele Rugani in the window after the Italy under-21 international impressed scouts with a string of fine performances on-loan at Empoli.

"

Rugani is a product of Empoli's youth academy, which is seen as one of Italy's best, and was co-owned by Juventus at the time. He has since been purchased outright by the Italian champions, via Gianlucadimarzio.com's David Amoyal:

Osborn suggests Wenger made a £2.5 million offer for his services, which sounds like a ridiculously small sum for a player who has done nothing but impress since the start of this season.

He has already been called up by Antonio Conte to the national team, a rare feat for an inexperienced player at a position of strength for the Azzurri, and FourFourTwo's Adam Digby can see why:

As shared by Digby, he stole the show during Empoli's recent match against Palermo, keeping another highly rated youngster at bay in Paulo Dybala:

The centre-back draws comparisons to one of Serie A's all-time greats, Alessandro Nesta, playing the game with similar poise and patience. He doesn't rush into tackles, but uses his vision and positioning to neutralise threats. In 25 Serie A appearances, he's yet to receive a single booking.

It's easy to see why Wenger would have been interested in his services, but there's no way Juventus would have parted with such an impressive youngster for a price well below market value. Expect to see Rugani in Turin next season and for the foreseeable future.

The uncertainty surrounding the future of Santi Cazorla has led the Gunners to a possible summer move for Hoffenheim's Roberto Firmino, according to the Daily Mirror's Darren Witcoop. Chief scout Steve Rowley is apparently already watching the Brazilian midfielder:

"

Arsenal are on the trail of Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino - as they fear losing Santi Cazorla, writes Darren Witcoop in the Sunday People.

Firmino is on Arsene Wenger’s radar as he continues to shine for German club Hoffenheim.

The Gunners' chief scout Steve Rowley has already made checks on the £20 million-rated goalscoring midfielder this season.

"

The 23-year-old is one of the Bundesliga's most consistent threats in midfield—six goals and seven assists, per WhoScored—and is quickly establishing himself as a vital member of Brazil's national team. Some fans may not be very familiar with the name, but the fact Selecao Brasileira is asking these kind of questions should tell you enough:

"

Coutinho, Oscar or Roberto Firmino, who is more worthy of being Brazil's attacking midfielder? pic.twitter.com/NC3J5pq1ZZ

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) March 1, 2015"

Firmino seems more than ready for a bigger club, and while the Gunners don't currently have a need for another attacking midfielder, there's little doubt he would make an adequate replacement should Cazorla return to Spain.

Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas says the veteran hasn't been particularly consistent, anyway:

Cazorla is a popular figure among the fan base and a very good player, so in a perfect world, he simply stays with the club after this summer and puts pen to paper on a new contract as quickly as possible.

Should he leave, however, the Gunners could do far worse than Firmino as a potential replacement.

Follow @ReverschPass