Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Hector Bellerin and Daniele Rugani

Barcelona have made Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin their top target for the summer.

That’s according to Moises Llorens of AS, who has stated the Blaugrana are already making plans for the upcoming window because of the impending departure of manager Luis Enrique. Bellerin, who spent his youth with Barca’s La Masia academy, is said to be "the chief objective."

In the report, it’s suggested that while Bellerin recently signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, uncertainty over the future of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could help Barcelona secure his signature.

"AS understands that [technical secretary Robert Fernandez] recently met up with Bellerin's advisers in London," the report continued. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also noted as interested parties.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Bellerin has emerged as one of the star performers at the Emirates Stadium in recent seasons, establishing himself as the club’s starting right-back and one of the finest in his position in the division.

The 21-year-old’s game is about intensity. His searing speed means he’s a huge threat on the overlap, and Bellerin makes smart decisions on the ball when he gets into advanced positions. His energy and acceleration also means he can recover position quickly in defence.

Sports journalist Rafael Hernandez is unsure as to whether or not the Spain international would be the right fit for the Camp Nou club, though:

Indeed, this season there have been some difficult times for Bellerin, especially in terms of his defensive work. The full-back’s appetite for attacking can occasionally leave the Gunners vulnerable at the back.

Bellerin is still young and learning the game, though, and with that in mind, Arsenal would be loath to sell one of their prized assets. Given there is uncertainty over the future of Wenger, not to mention key men like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, as noted by John Cross of the Mirror, it’d be a big shock if they didn’t resist any approach for the youngster.

Arsenal Interested in Daniele Rugani

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

According to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday, Arsenal will look to land Juventus’ young defender Daniele Rugani in the summer.

It’s suggested that Wenger is a big admirer of the 22-year-old and will look to snare him should the coach sign a new contract. Additionally, according to Hetherington, should Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri trade Turin for the Emirates Stadium in the summer, he will look to bring the centre-back with him.

Rugani is rated as one of the brightest prospects in Italian football. Here is a look at some of his standout moments in Bianconeri colours so far:

The Italian has everything needed to ensure he enjoys a bright future in the game. Rugani has outstanding natural instincts at the back, sensing danger quickly and excelling in one-on-one situations. He's not one to shirk a physical battle either.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com noted earlier in the campaign, when he’s in the team, Rugani is also capable of getting Juventus going with his distribution from deeper positions:

Despite his obvious talent, there’s competition aplenty for places at the Juventus Stadium, with Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia all ahead of Rugani in the pecking order at the moment. The youngster has made just eight Serie A starts as a result.

If Rugani was growing frustrated at this dynamic, perhaps the Gunners would have a chance of snapping him up. However, he’s slowly being integrated into the side by Allegri and will be learning a lot from working alongside a glut of world-class defenders on a daily basis.