Arsenal Transfer News: Premier League giants in race for Barcelona star, club eye Juventus defender, and more – November 19, 2018

Gunners checking the availability of Juventus star Daniele Rugani

Arsenal need to solve their defensive woes with some solid purchases in January

According to a report from the Express, the North London side are monitoring Daniele Rugani's availability ahead of the winter transfer window. Arsenal signed Sokratis Papastathopoulus from Borrusia Dortmund in the summer, but made no further additions to their backline.

With Laurent Koscielny still recovering from his Achilles heel injury, Callum Chambers out on loan, Konstantinos Mavropanos out injured and Rob Holding still understanding the ins and outs of top-tier football, the Gunners have been stretched in terms of their centre-backs this season.

Considering the present situation, it is no surprise that the Gunners are looking at centre-backs who could potentially be bought in the January transfer window. According to market calculations, Rugani would cost anywhere around €35m (£31m) and €50m (£44m) in January. The 24-year-old's contract at Juventus runs till 2021, which might become a slight hurdle if Arsenal do decide to go for him in the winter break.

Reportedly, 2016-17 PL Champions Chelsea are also interested in acquiring the signature of the Italian defender.