Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims that Arsenal are heavily interested in the young Italian defender Daniele Rugani. Rugani is having a great season at Empoli following their promotion to Serie A.

He has played in every game for the side this season, a great feat for any twenty year old. Rugani has shone at youth level playing for the national team at every level since his debut for the Italian U17s in 2010.

It is believed that Arsenal want to follow on from the imminent signing of Gabriel Paulista and bring in Rugani. He is currently on a loan spell from Serie A champions Juventus with Empoli as part of their co-ownership of their player.

He is due to return to the Torino side in 2016 following his long term loan spell however there is an option to extend it by another eighteen months. Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to snap him up early.

It is being reported that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has had his eye on Rugani since he played for Empoli back in Serie B and also watched on as he progressed this season. He has been a key figure for Empoli this season, and one of the main reasons they are to avoid relegation at the end of the campaign.

The validity of this story is as of yet unknown. Pedulla has made claims on other transfer deal that never happened before so whether or not this deal is true, is unclear.

I’m not sure if Wenger will make a move for him, at least in this transfer window as he is just about to sign Gabriel but perhaps the Gunners boss might make a move in the summer if Arsenal are in need of some reinforcements.