Arsenal to offer Bellerin as part of Demiral transfer (Calciomercato)

Arsenal are ready to offer Hector Bellerin as part of a deal to sign Merih Demiral from Juventus , according to reports from Italy.

The Gunners desperately need to improve their defence and have been linked with a January move for Demiral, who has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus.

The 21-year-old Turkey international has found himself behind Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt, with Daniel Rugani also providing competition.

Juventus are known to value Demiral highly as one for the future, but the defender may decide to seek a move in January in search of more playing time - especially with next summer's Euro 2020 finals looming.

It has been reported that Juve would want around £34million for Demiral - but Arsenal will aim to ease the financial burden by offering right-back Bellerin as part of the deal, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato .

Bellerin's agent Albert Botines has claimed a club in Italy is interested in the player, but it is not clear whether that club is Juventus.

Botines said: "At the moment he is focused on the team’s commitments, comes from a bad injury and is returning to his levels.

“He likes Italy, the interest of an Italian club has been there but I can’t reveal it.

“He has a long contract and it won’t be easy to take him away from Arsenal . He is vice-captain, we will see how the season will go.”

Arsenal are also interested in signing Rugani, according to reports from Italy.

Rugani was on Arsenal's radar in the summer as Emery sought defensive reinforcements, but Juventus are believed to have wanted in excess of £30million for the 25-year-old.

The 25-year-old is still a potential target ahead of the January transfer window, according to a a report from Italian website Il Bianconero .