Arsenal ready to splash £35million on Mertesacker replacement

According to Italian media, Arsenal are considering a £35.4million transfer for Juventus star Daniele Rugani.

Despite fellow defender and Italian compatriot Leonardo Bonucci leaving the Turin for AC Milan during the summer, Rugani has not been able to break into the first-team this season.

Mehdi Benatia has been favoured to Rugani in defence to partner either of Italian Giorgio Chiellini and compatriot Andrea Barzagli this campaign.

Now, as per Italian site Il Posticipo, the North London club are considering a massive money transfer for the Italian international.

The Emirates giants are closely monitoring the Italy international having struggled with defensive options this campaign. Germany international defender Shkodran Mustafi has massively struggled for shape this term, and Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal has often been favoured by him and his mate Per Mertesacker.

The Gunners will face stiff competition for the signature of the Italian, however, with Premier League Champions Manchester United also keen on Rugani, as they try to reinforce their defensive options going into the second half stanza of the campaign.

Arsenal’s defence has been ridiculous this season having let in 23 goals, which is the joint worst defensive stats among the top seven in the Premier League.

United, on the other hand, have a decent defensive stats conceding only 14 goals.