Arsenal set to swoop for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani this summer as Shkodran Mustafi replacement
Highly-rated Italian has struggled for playing time under Massimiliano Allegri following amazing form of Medhi Benatia
ARSENAL see Juventus defender Daniele Rugani as a replacement for Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports in Italy.
Rugani, 23, was tipped to become an Azzurri regular this year, as Leonardo Bonucci's departure to AC Milan appeared to have presented the opportunity for more playing time at club level.
However, the incredible performances of Medhi Benatia have seem him fall down the pecking order and he is unhappy at his lack of minutes.
report Arsenal could be set to offer him an escape route in the summer, as they prepare to offload Mustafi.
The German has struggled this season, and came in for some stinging criticism following his performance in the 3-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Inter Milan and former club Valencia are among the clubs interested in his signature.
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Should Mustafi leave, Arsenal will be hoping to tempt Rugani from Juventus.
Big things have been expected of the elegant Italian defender since he won the 2014 Serie B Footballer of the Year award at the age of 19 while on loan at Empoli.
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However, he has failed to kick on this season and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has left him out of the starting line-up for their biggest matches.
The Bianconeri may prefer to send him on loan in 2018-19, with Mattia Caldara set to return after an incredibly successful loan spell at Atalanta.