Daniele Rugani’s agent says Arsenal showed an interest in the defender in January, but didn’t come in with a formal offer. Should the Gunners have made a bid?
Rugani is 23 years old, and joined Juventus back in 2012. Initially he signed on loan from Empoli, and played in the club’s youth academy. Then, in 2013, he made the deal permanent, but went back on loan to his former club for two years. Finally, in the 2015/16 season, he started playing for his parent club’s senior side.
So why should Arsenal go for Rugani?
1. Juventus won’t give him regular chances
Since the start of that 2015/16 season, Rugani has been in and out of the Juventus team. In his first campaign, he managed 21 appearances in all competitions. Then in 2016/17, that number actually decreased to 20.
This season, he started off playing almost every match. It didn’t last though, and he’s only appeared in one of the last 10 league matches.
There’s no injury concern, as he’s always on the bench. Juventus manager Allegri just has other options.
If that continues through to the summer, an Arsenal bid could be very appealing to Rugani.
2. He’s learning from some of the world’s best defenders
Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, and, until this summer, Leonardo Bonucci ran Juventus’ (and Italy’s) defence for years. They won almost everything there is to win at club level, bar that elusive Champions League title.
I can’t think of anyone better to learn your defensive trade around, and that’s just what Rugani’s done.
3. He’s young and talented
Rugani is just 23 years old, but he’s already caught the eye of a lot of fans and critics.
In 2015, Don Balon named him as one of the best young players in the world. He is an intelligent player, who prefers to win the ball with his positioning, rather than diving in.
Arsenal could use a player like that, since the current starting line up contains players like Shkodran Mustafi, who will slide in for anything and everything.
4. Arsenal need defenders
Right now, half of Arsenal’s defence is ageing, and the other half isn’t experienced enough. Per Mertesacker is retiring at the end of the season, and I wouldn’t trust Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles.
Unfortunately, I also wouldn’t trust Rob Holding and Calum Chambers to lead the back line alone just yet.
Shkodran Mustafi is struggling for consistency, and has injury problems of his own.
A player like Rugani could provide the perfect mix of youth and experience.
Now we just have to wait and see if the Gunners really are willing to make an offer.