Arsenal Transfer News: Daniele Rugani Linked Again in Latest Rumours

Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, with the latest reports stating the Gunners have marked the Italian as one of their top priorities for the summer.

Italian gossip site Transfermarketweb (via Joshua Peck of the Daily Express) noted Arsenal were linked with Rugani in January but never made a bid for the 23-year-old. His agent confirmed the Gunners' interest in an interview with Radio Sportiva (via Goal's Tom Maston).

Rugani has been linked with the Gunners for years, with speculation popping up every few months. Last summer, Transfermarketweb (via the Daily Star's Marc Williams) reported on Arsenal's attempts to sign him, amid rumours Arsenal had bids for the player turned down as early as the summer of 2016.

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The former Empoli man has been a regular part of the rotation for the Bianconeri this season, making 17 starts in Serie A. He's mostly been on the bench for the club's key contests, however, behind Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia, Juventus' surprise breakout performer this year.

Chiellini, Benatia and Barzagli got the nod in the UEFA Champions League, which didn't come as a major surprise―manager Massimiliano Allegri always relies heavily on his more experienced players.

When Rugani has played, he has performed well, and Juventus' depth options as a whole have done a fine job keeping up their strong form in Serie A, per sportswriter Adam Digby:

Rugani's status as a rotation player will continue to invite transfer speculation, however, as other clubs could offer him a spot as an unquestioned starter.

Arsenal's defence is certainly in need of an upgrade, as the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers have not lived up to the expectations this season. Laurent Koscielny's best days are behind him, and the Gunners have few high-upside prospects ready to make an impact for the senior team.

Rugani could be the solution, but convincing Juventus to sell would be tricky. Barzagli and Chiellini are 36 and 33 years old, respectively, while Benatia has struggled with injuries in the past. Rugani is a crucial depth piece for the Old Lady, with his minutes increasing every season.

His contract runs until 2021, giving Juventus all the leverage in any negotiations.