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Maurizio Sarri's arrival at Chelsea saw a major transition within the club, as there was a change in the style of football, and the right players who could tick the boxes with regards the 'Sarriball' philosophy were fielded.
At first, it seemed clear that the Italian wanted a classy center-back, a defender who could ease the ball out of the back with a sense of calm, and by heart deliver every instruction of the manager.
Just then, it was reported that Chelsea were casting a keen eye on Sarri's protege, Daniele Rugani. The young centre-back is on the fringes of the Juventus squad, and a stellar move to Stamford Bridge for a bigger price, higher wages, and the increasing probability of more game time appeared to be the best escape route.
However, Rugani turned down the offer and decided to fight for his place in Turin, where he is behind Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Medhi Benatia in the pecking order.
Daniele Rugani and Sarri had previously worked together at Empoli, where the player also received 'Serie B Footballer of the Year 2014' accolade under the latter's stewardship. In just two seasons, the center-half recorded 81 appearances, and also ensured the club's status in the Italian top-flight.
The move to West London did not materialise, but the reported departure of club captain Gary Cahill, and David Luiz's age, might entice Chelsea to chase their top defensive target once again.
But before that, lets take a look at three reasons why Chelsea DO NOT need Daniele Rugani.
#1 Lack of game time at Juventus
Although Rugani has justified his reputation as a robust, quick, and alert centre-back, he has only mustered 360 minutes in the Serie A thus far. He averages just over 3 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game, with a pass completion rate of 92 - not a bad return at all.
The main problem for the centre-back is the amount of game time he has received since his switch to the Old Lady. Largely billed to fit into the system right away, Rugani's appearance tally in black and white stripes is only 73.
With the return of Bonucci, he has been pushed down the pecking order. Earlier when everyone expected him to replace the legendary defender, Medhi Benatia was asked to fill the void instead, leaving Rugani on the sidelines.
Whatever may be the reason, he doesn't have what it takes to play 30+ Premier League games.
All stats via transfermarkt
#2 No Premier League experience and style of play
Firstly, if the previous point is added to the fact that he has had absolutely no taste of English football, it would make no sense for Chelsea to pay the big bucks for him.
A great couple of seasons with Empoli followed by a career that hasn't really taken off at Turin is all Rugani has on his resume. Over the years, many centre-backs have been mauled in the Premier League, a competition that desperately seeks sturdy centre-backs.
That brings us to our next point.
Although Rugani is classy, nice on the eye with his passing, and an able defender, he doesn't quite lunge into tackles. In his very first season in the Serie A, he played every single second without being booked - an excellent, rather amazing stat, but is that what Chelsea need?
Sarri's current first-choice centre backs - David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger, are good with the ball and in the air, but their biggest attributes are winning the ball high up the pitch, going for aggressive challenges, and recycling possession for the team.
Not too sure if Daniele Rugani can do that.
#3 Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma
Why buy Daniele Rugani when you have two robust, young, and dynamic centre-halves in Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake. While the former has endured loan spells at Stoke City and now Everton, Ake is a Bournemouth player.
However, Chelsea do have a buy-back clause inserted in the Dutchman's contract. Zouma and Ake are just 24 and 23 years of age respectively, and have played much more competitive football than Chelsea's transfer target.
Moreover, not only have they played with the first team at Stamford Bridge, but have also remained in the Premier League for years. Ake in fact has earned a lot of plaudits for his displays this season for Eddie Howe's side, and is also a vital cog in the Netherlands' back line, alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Both of them can play the ball out of the back as well. What are you waiting for then, Maurizio Sarri?
