Arsenal have the chance to sign 25-year-old defender for £22m: report

Arsenal have been credited with a fresh interest in signing Daniele Rugani from Juventus, an exclusive report from Calciomercato claims.

The Italy international has been on the radar of the north London side over the past few years but nothing has materialised beyond the transfer speculation.

Still, he continues to be associated with a possible move to the Emirates and Calciomercato claims that the Gunners could compete with the likes of Napoli, AS Roma and Zenit St Petersburg for his signature.

The same publication cites that he could be available for around £22m (€25m) during the summer while he would command a reasonable wage package of £60,000-a-week.

The Gunners has several centre-backs at his disposal and last summer’s signing David Luiz has been the regular starter at the heart of the club’s defence.

At different stages of the season, the likes of Calum Chambers, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari have partnered him and each of them have had their good moments.

Still, there is the need for additional solidity in the position, considering the team has looked pretty vulnerable while defending from set-piece situations.

William Saliba’s loan return from Saint-Etienne would provide manager Mikel Arteta with a fresh option for the central defensive role but it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman is accompanied by a new purchase.

Meanwhile, Rugani has been linked with the Gunners in almost every transfer window over the past few years but there are still question marks regarding his ability.

The Italy international has hardly played for the Bianconeri this term despite the injuries to Giorgio Chiellini and Merih Demiral and he has been restricted to only three league starts.

Elsewhere, the 25-year-old has made over 25 appearances in just one of his previous five seasons and the limited exposure to first-team football is a definite concern at his age, where he should be at the prime of his career rather than sitting on the bench.