Arsenal look like they will be busy in terms of defensive personnel over the next few days as deadline day looms.
As good as the clubs attacking reinforcements have been, it is clear that the Gunners must improve in defence if they are to be serious about competing for major honours. And judging by what the papers are telling us, it seems they are serious.
#Arsenal have made enquiries to sign Daniele Rugani (£50m) and Dayot Upamecano (£70m) but have been quoted £120m for the duo by #Juventus and #Leipzig. The Gunners could explore a loan deal with an option to buy for Rugani [Guardian]. #AFC https://t.co/dydVW0js35 pic.twitter.com/44xCcUIiro
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) August 5, 2019
According to The Guardian, Arsenal have enquired for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. Rugani, 25, has seen a £50million valuation put on his head. That seems an extraordinary amount for a player who cannot get near the Juventus line up now that De Ligt has arrived.
The other, Upamecano, is one of Europe’s leading defenders aged just 20. Leipzig want £70million, though and so unless there’s something we don’t know about Arsenal’s budget, that deal seems impossible.
The Guardian’s report says: Reports in Germany have claimed that a €60m (£55m) offer was rejected by RB over the weekend [for Upamecano], although it is believed that Arsenal have yet to submit an official bid for the 20-year-old central defender
Rugani could happen though, if the Serie A side are willing to loan the player with an option to buy. Rugani was once in a similar position to Upamecano, an emerging talent at Empoli before being plucked by Juventus. Since that move he has struggled to find himself in the starting line up with the likes of Bonucci and Chiellini in his way. No with young De Ligt arriving, the Italian must be wondering if his chance will ever come.
Meanwhile, the Gunners could see both Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi leave before the end of the month. Foreign clubs deadlines are not as short as England’s Thursday deadline and so departures can occur after the end of this week.
Arsenal look set to finally complete the signing of Kieran Tierney, with #Celtic closing in on his replacement, Rico Henry of #Brentford. https://t.co/BIP2lHPKni #AFC #Arsenal #transfers pic.twitter.com/EYD2upykiL
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) August 5, 2019
It will be an interesting end to the window, with Sky Sports suggest the Gunners will make a final push to sign Kieran Tierney this week. With Celtic closing in on a deal for Brentford left back Rico Henry, it seems the Scottish club may have conceded defeat and Tierney could be finally on his way to The Emirates.