Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Daniele Rugani and Wojciech Szczesny Rumours

Arsenal face a real battle for the signature of Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, while Wojciech Szczesny has acknowledged Arsenal made the right move buying former Chelsea star Petr Cech during the summer transfer window and sending him out on loan.

Speculation surrounding young Juventus defender Rugani continues to mount, with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) reporting six clubs are following the 21-year-old, including Arsenal and Manchester United.

The former Empoli star returned to Turin during the summer but has seen limited playing time with the Italian champions, and a loan deal could be an option in January. The likes of Napoli and the Gunners would reportedly prefer a permanent deal, but Juventus will be eager to keep hold of the talented centre-back.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri remains committed to the youngster, relayed by Juventus' official Twitter account:

Last year, Rugani played every minute of Serie A action for Empoli and impressed greatly, finishing the season without a single booking, per WhoScored.com. But despite his obvious talent, he was never likely to feature much for the Bianconeri in 2015-16, per David Amoyal, a translator for Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio:

Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli form arguably the best defensive trio in football, and as long as the three veterans are healthy, Allegri will choose to play them ahead of Rugani, particularly given Juventus' recent struggles.

That doesn't change the fact Rugani has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the sport before long, and unless he openly demands a transfer, Juventus will do everything possible to avoid a permanent move.

A loan could benefit his development, but the Bianconeri will be careful moving forward. Should Rugani get too comfortable with his new club, he could try to force a full-time move at the end of the season, knowing full well Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci will likely remain with Juventus for the 2016-17 campaign.

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Meanwhile, Szczesny has spoken in support of Arsenal's move to bring Petr Cech to the club, even though it led to the Poland international's loan move to AS Roma and could spell the end of his career with the Gunners.

Speaking to futbolfejs.pl (h/t Daily Mirror's James Whaling), Szczesny proved himself to be a realist and team player, and his comments are sure to endear himself to the Arsenal faithful:

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I'm not stupid—if you buy one of the world's best goalkeepers it's not to keep him on the bench. 

I actually wanted to stay and challenge him for the spot but after a conversation with Wenger it was obvious that I should be looking for new opportunities.

Asked whether Wenger could have kept faith in him rather than buying Cech, Szczesny added: "Are you joking? For that little money? Of course he had to!

If someone offered him Cristiano Ronaldo for a good price, he would have to buy him. The manager has to think about the club and its fortune.

Why would Wenger not do it? Because Wojciech Szczesny, who grew up at the club, is here? Be serious here – Wenger has to consider the overall good of the club first.

"

The 25-year-old has been in solid form for Roma of late, while Cech has been the regular starter in goal for Arsenal. At 33 years of age, the veteran is showing few signs of slowing down, and he's likely to be the starter for the next couple of years.

That means Szczesny will either have to be satisfied with a spot on the bench when he returns to the Emirates Stadium or seek a permanent move away from the club. He's more than held his own with the Giallorossi so far, and in all likelihood, there will be plenty of offers for his services next summer.

It does sound like there's no bad blood whatsoever between the player and the Gunners, so even if Szczesny leaves the club for good next season, it will likely be in good spirits.

Meanwhile, Walsall's Rico Henry has drawn the attention of a host of Premier League clubs after a strong start to the 2015-16 campaign, which saw him named the Football League's Young Player of the Month for September, per Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror.

The 18-year-old left-back, who can also play in midfield or as a wing-back, has been compared to Ashley Cole by Walsall manager Dean Smith:

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If I were to liken him to anyone it would be a young Ashley Cole and it’s up to him how far he can now go in the game.

I’ve recommended him a couple of times to the England Under-19s because, if there’s a better left-sided player in the country at 18 years of age, I’d like to see them.

If he keeps developing and keeps his feet firmly on the ground - his parents will make sure of that - then he’ll go the right way.

"

Henry has proved himself a fantastic offensive weapon for Walsall, impressing with his athleticism and stamina. Unlike most young full-backs, he's able and willing to cut inside early, and his constant movement makes him very difficult to defend against.

While he's still developing as a defender, he has flashed enough attacking potential to warrant the interest of the likes of Arsenal. Don't be shocked if one of the Premier League's top clubs signs him in January and allows him to stay with Walsall for the foreseeable future, guaranteeing him consistent playing time in the process.

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