Manager speaks out over £13m Arsenal interest in unwanted Italian defender

Italy U21 ace Daniele Rugani has barely played for Juventus

JUVENTUS will fight to keep talented defender Daniele Rugani at the club despite reported interest from Arsenal.

 

The Gunners are said to be keen on landing centre-back Rugani, who has made just one cameo appearance for Juve this season.

The 21-year-old played every minute of Empoli's league season last term before returning from his loan spell to Turin.

And, amid reports that Arsenal will seek to buy the unused player in January, Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri has come out to defend his selection policy.

"Daniele has a bright future ahead of him, but Juventus have three or four of the best centre-backs in Europe," Allegri said.

"It’s beyond doubt he is the future of Juventus.

 

Italian sides Napoli, Sampdoria, Lazio and Fiorentina are all also said to be eyeing up a swoop for Rugani.

Juve are thought to value him at £13million and would be open to a loan switch.

As for Arsenal, they are understood to be also seeking a move for Real Madrid striker Jese.

However, they face fierce competition from Chelsea, Liverpool and Italian outfits Napoli and Inter Milan to get the deal through this winter.