Arsenal suffer major setback in pursuit of defensive reinforcement

According to The Express, North London giants Arsenal have had a £35million offer turned down by Italian Serie A giants Juventus for star defender Mehdi Benatia.

The report suggests that the Turin giants have rejected Arsenal’s approach to secure the signature of the defender, as they try to hold out for a bigger transfer fee.

The North London club are looking to reinforce their team in the winter transfer window as they try to make a January move for a Champions league spot finish in the second stanza of the campaign.

The Emirates club currently sit 6th in the English Premier League log, four points adrift fourth-placed Merseyside giants Liverpool – although the Gunners have a match in-hand.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a big fan of Benatia and wants the defender to improve his backline.

Benatia has featured in eight Italian Serie A games this campaign, with stiff competition waiting for him ahead.

The defender could be lured by a move to the English Premier League, and guaranteed regular playing time under the French tactician at the Emirates Stadium in England.

The amount Juventus are asking for has not yet been confirmed, but the publication stated that Arsenal’s initial £35million has been turned down.