Arsenal Transfer News: 'Important' Daniele Rugani Bid, William Carvalho Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly set to table an “important offer” for Juventus’ young defender Daniele Rugani, as Arsene Wenger looks to beef up his options at the back.

That’s according to Calciomercato (h/t Sport Witness), which claimed that the Gunners are ready to test the Bianconeri’s resolve to keep hold of the talented young centre-back in January. As noted in the piece, Rugani wants to stay at Juventus, but he is willing to leave the club should he fail to get the minutes he craves.

Here’s a look at why Rugani is rated so highly:

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Empoli and really impressed. Despite his tender years, there is a maturity in Rugani's play. Not only does he possess all the qualities you’d expect from a young Italian centre-back, such as sharp reading of the game and refined tactical instincts, but he’s a player that relishes the physical battle too.

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Matteo Bonetti of beIN Sports thinks the Juventus man possesses all the tools required to go to the very summit of the game:

Arsenal, with that in mind, would be lucky to have him. With both Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker 30 or older, the club could do with some youth at the heart of their back four, especially with Calum Chambers failing to impress in his appearances at the club so far.

Luring Rugani away from Juventus could be tough, though. The Italian is a player that seems destined to be a big hit for the Turin giants and while he may not have featured for the Bianconeri yet this season, it seems as though it’ll only be a matter of time before he starts making a mark on the first team.

Arsenal and Liverpool to Duel for William Carvalho

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According to "reports in Italy" cited by Bruce Archer of the Daily Express, Arsenal will go head-to-head with Liverpool in January in an attempt to bring William Carvalho to the Premier League.

The Sporting man has long been revered as one of the finest young midfielders in European football and has the quality to play for one of the game’s juggernauts. But after a hugely impressive showing at the European Under-21 Championships last summer, Carvalho remained with the Lisbon giants.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe ran the rule over what the 23-year-old could potentially offer should he sign for a Premier League club:

Indeed, there’s little Carvalho can’t do. The Portuguese international is a formidable option to have in the middle of midfield, shunting opponents off the ball with his imposing build, playing snappy passes and carrying possession forward. 

As football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor noted when discussing Carvalho during the summer championships, he’s a major talent:

He’d be perfect for Arsenal. Manager Arsene Wenger has long left the base of his midfield unaddressed and while Francis Coquelin has emerged as a strong option, if he does get injured or suspended there’s no natural cover to the standard required.

Carvalho would immediately make the Gunners much more obdurate to deal with for the opposition and provide a physical presence in the middle of the park that has long been lacking. Acquiring him midseason may be problematic and could be a pricey pursuit, but the imperious influence of the Portuguese would give everyone at the Emirates a massive boost for the run-in.