This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
As the new Premier League season approaches, Arsenal manager Unai Emery is on the lookout for a new centre back to bolster his defensive options.
With Laurent Koscielny attempting to plot a move away from the Emirates and Rob Holding set to miss the early portion of the season, Emery is left with Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Nacho Monreal as his centre back possibilities.
According to Corriere Torino, the Gunners are considering Italian centre back Daniele Rugani, who made 20 appearances for Juventus last season but appears unlikely to be a regular in Turin due to the signing of Dutch wonder-kid Matthijs de Ligt.
Rugani is valued at €40m, although Arsenal are thinking about a loan deal, while Chelsea's interest appears to have cooled.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also on the chase for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney, who is a full-back but plays at centre back for national side Scotland.
Neil Lennon has admitted that Celtic have drawn up contingency plans in case Arsenal swoops for Tierney, with the north London club having had two bids rejected.
Managing director Vinai Venkatesham has dismissed reports that Emery has a transfer budget of just £40m this summer, stating that the club never talks about how much money they have to spend.
