This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
With the English transfer window closing on Thursday, Arsenal are in a rush to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, who has emerged as a top candidate to fill the Gunners' troubled centre-back position.
Laurent Koscielny's departure to Bordeaux on Tuesday has left Arsenal with questions over the long-term future and ability of defenders like Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers.
According to claims in Italy, Arsenal have agreed terms with Rugani, who will cost around £37 million, but the deal may be structured as a two-year loan with the fee paid at the end of the loan spell.
However, RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano has also emerged as a target for Unai Emery, but the 20-year-old French defender will be harder to obtain and more expensive, with a price tag of around £55 million.
It was reported on Tuesday that Arsenal's bid for Upamecano was rejected, with Leipzig hoping for a deal that includes the young attacker Emile Smith Rowe, who they had on loan last season.
Emery is desperate to add a defender to the ranks at the Emirates before the transfer deadline, and that remains Arsenal's priority despite ongoing suggestions that they could take Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.
Arsenal face Newcastle United in their opening game of the new Premier League season at St James' Park on Monday.
