Arsenal are chasing Juventus centre back Daniele Rugani again, despite having two bids rejected last summer, according to reports.

Arsenal are believed to be targeting the 23-year-old Italian this summer, despite Juventus’ clear reluctance to sell. That’s according to Transfer Market Web, who claim the Gunners are back in for the defender despite having two bids rejected last summer.

Arsenal have been linked with Rugani numerous times in the last couple of years following an impressive loan spell at Empoli. However, as Juventus regarded him a top talent, they weren’t entertaining any offers.

That stance is unlikely to have changed now that star centre-back Leonardo Bonucci has departed for AC Milan. Rugani is set for more first-team opportunities now, so Arsenal would not be able to use that to convince the player to join them.

The Londoners could be targeting a centre-back soon with club captain Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season. Elsewhere, Calum Chambers has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace. There are also concerns about the fitness of Laurent Koscielny.

It does seem though that Rugani will not be an option for Arsenal, at least not this summer, meaning that the Gunners may have to cast their eye on other targets.