Arsenal are tracking Italian defender Daniele Rugani, according to talkSPORT.
The Gunners are on the verge of signing versatile defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal and having landed 17-year-old defensive midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw earlier in the month, Arsene Wenger appears to want more defensive options and cover for the remainder of the season.
The Frenchman has reportedly identified Rugani as a potential recruit following a string of impressive displays for Empoli this season.
The 20-year-old has started all of Empoli’s 20 Serie A games so far this season and is said to have attracted the interest of Real Madrid.
Rugani has represented Italy in Under-17, 18, 19 and 20 level and is currently an Under-21 international, where he has won five caps and scored two goals.
Wenger has stated that he wants to add further to his squad before the window shuts but has not mentioned what areas he would like to strengthen in particular after signing a defender and holding midfielder.
The Italian would certainly be regarded as a ‘Wenger signing’, but the Gunners will struggle with any potential deal as the defender is co-owned by Empoli and Juventus.
The 6’2’’ centre-back is valued at around £6.5 million and has 18 month left on his current deal at Empoli.
