Arsenal are said to be interested in renewing their pursuit of Daniele Rugani when the transfer window reopens in two months.
Club record signing Nicolas Pepe slotted into the starting line-up at the top of the pitch, but it’s at the back Arsenal have had to do the most tinkering.
Laurent Koscielny’s departure left a gaping hole in the heart of defence, with David Luiz eventually being brought in to replace the Frenchman.
William Saliba was also signed from Saint-Etienne, but he was immediately loaned back out to the Ligue 1 club.
Arsenal were still linked with more defensive recruits, namely Juventus ace Rugani.
But a deal never materialised as the Serie A giants held on to the 25-year-old.
However, Il Bianconero report Arsenal’s interest hasn’t wavered since the summer and that they could be in a stronger position to negotiate a deal with the player.
Rugani is yet to feature for Juventus this season with Maurizio Sarri preferring the partnership of Leonardo Bonucci and Matthias de Ligt while Giorgio Chiellini is out injured.
Even Merih Demiral has seemingly moved ahead of Rugani in the pecking order having played one match so far.
And the Italian is reportedly ready to push through an exit in January, putting Arsenal on red alert to make a move in the New Year.
Luiz has been a regular in the Arsenal defence this season, starting all-but one Premier League match alongside Sokratis.
But the pair have been far from convincing through the opening 10 league games, keeping just two clean sheets.
Arsenal return to action this evening in the Carabao Cup fourth round when they take on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has already admitted he will stick with youth in the competition, and Unai Emery is likely to follow in the same suit.
Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli are both expected to start while Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also feature.
