Leicester City want Arsenal defensive target

Premier League side Leicester City have entered the race for £34million rated Italian defender Daniele Rugani, who is on the books of Juventus. 

It would spell bad news for Arsenal, who are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and came close to signing him in the summer. 

It is expected that the Gunners would go back in the hunt for the Juventus defender once again but they would not certainly like the increasing competition from clubs like Leicester City, who are doing better than Arsenal at the moment. 

The Foxes have the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season only behind league leaders Liverpool but it is reported that Brendan Rodgers wants more options at the heart of the defence. 

The pair of Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu has been really exceptional for the Foxes. But Evans is already 32 years of age and it is hardly a surprise that Rodgers would want to have a capable alternative to the Northern Irishman. And, Rugani certainly qualifies as one. 

Veteran skipper Wes Morgan is the only cover for the two regulars currently. Also, with the money the club generated from the world record sale of Harry Maguire still not utilized, the Foxes can afford to spend a fortune to bring a player like Rugani at the King Power Stadium. 

With Rugani well down the pecking order at Juventus, the Italian giants are more than willing to listen to offers for the former Empoli man if reports in Italy are to be believed. 

Rugani is behind the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt and Merih Demiral in the pecking order at Juventus and needs a move quite desperately. 

The Italian was one of the most promising defenders at one time but he has not grown enough at the Turin club over the years due to lack of game time and exposure. But it is never too late to start over and he has every right to attempt to revive his career. 

Arsenal tried to sign the Italian defender, 25, on a two-year loan deal in the summer following his impressive spell of form. It is claimed that newly-appointed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to add quality to the leaky defence he has inherited and the Gunners still hold interest in the Italian. 

Leicester City have also been linked with Merih Demiral of Juventus, who is also struggling for playing time for the Serie A champions. However, it is highly unlikely that the Old Lady will lose both defenders.

Featured image credits- Gazetta Dello Sport