Arsenal have been handed a blow in the transfer market after Napoli joined the hunt for one of their defensive targets.
TalkSport state Napoli want to bring Juventus Daniele Rugani on-loan in January, potentially scuppering Arsenal’s plans of a permanent move for the Italian U21 international.
Rugani is highly-rated in Italy, often compared to World Cup and Ballon D’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, but has found first-team football in Turin difficult to come by; with Juventus having the likes of Georgio Chiellini ahead of him.
With a lack of playing time Rugani may seek a January exit but Juventus are likely to prefer a loan stint, allowing the young defender to earn his stripes in Naples and then return to become a long-term successor to Juventus’ ageing back-line.
As well as a temporary blow, with Arsenal’s chances of landing a permanent move in January decreased, they could also find themselves behind in the long-term battle for his signature; as Rugani would likely favour a permanent move to Napoli later on, should his loan spell be successful.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of the young defender, having scouted him extensively in recent years.