Arsenal 'to make fresh transfer bid' for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani

Arsenal are preparing to make a fresh approach for Daniel Rugani after seeing their initial move for the defender rejected by Juventus.

The Gunners are desperate to bolster their defensive ranks before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday and have prioritised a centre-back.

Rugani, 25, is at the top of their wishlist and the north Londoners recently stepped up their pursuit by making contact with Juve over his availability.

That approach saw the Gunners ambitiously ask the Italians whether they could bring the defender to north London on a two-year loan, with an option to make the move a permanent one.

Juventus turned down the approach but that hasn't put off Arsenal and reports in Italy have now claimed that the Premier League outfit still have a 'strong interest' in signing the player.

According to Alfredo Pedulla, Arsenal are expected to hold further talks with Juventus’ sporting director Fabio Paratici in London over a potential move for the defender.