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What's the story?
Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester United are set to battle for €40m-rated Juventus star Daniele Rugani according to Italian media outlet Il Posticipo.
The 23-year-old centre-back has failed to establish a spot in Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus starting lineup and is ready to move away from the Turin-based club if the report is to be believed.
In case you didn't know...
Rugani, a right-legged centre-back, joined Juventus from FC Empoli for a fee of €5 million in 2015. Over the course of his three years with the Bianconeri, the Italian has made 54 senior team appearances and has found the back of the net four times.
Heart of the matter
The Gunners' defence has been struggling this season having conceded 23 goals, which is the joint worst defensive record among the top seven in the league. The north London club has only won just one of their last five matches in the league, drawing three and losing one.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have quite a good defensive record conceding just 14 goals. However, the Jose Mourinho-managed side has been marred with injuries - especially at the back. This could force the former Chelsea manager to jump into the transfer market and sign a new defender in January.
Rugani, who reportedly wants to leave Juventus, could be finding his new home in England with either Arsenal or Manchester United according to Il Posticipo. The 23-year-old, who is rated at €40m (£35.5m) is wanted by the two Premier League clubs and could be the reason for a tug-of-war between them.
Video: Analysis of Daniele Rugani
Author's take
With Rugani wanting to leave and the two rivals looking for a new centre back, this one makes sense. However, if the player's aim is to get constant playing time then Arsenal and Manchester United are not the destinations for him.
The two rivals have got some good defenders in their squad and Rugani will have to be at his best to establish himself as a regular starter at both clubs.
