Pundit explains why Arsenal should take risk on Juventus defender

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol believes Arsenal target Daniele Rugani would be a risk worth taking for the Gunners.

Arsenal are looking for reinforcements at the back, having had one of the worst defensive records of the top half in the Premier League last season. William Saliba has been brought in from Saint Ettiene, but the youngster was loaned straight back.

Reports in Italy suggest that Rugani could be a target for Arsenal, having seen his chances of first team action take a hit with the arrival of Matthijs De Ligt from Ajax.

Maurizio Sarri does like the player, having coached him before at Empoli, but may have no choice but to let him leave if he wants regular action.

Now, former Liverpool man Nicol has cast his verdict on the potential Arsenal signing – who played just 15 times in the league last season.

“Arsenal no question need help at centre-back,” Nicol told ESPN FC.

“The worry for me is Rugani has not even had a shout really in my opinion at Juventus.

“You’ve got Bonucci and Chellini who are right at the end of their careers.

“If Rugani thinks that he can play there, he’s going to hang around for 12 months.

“I don’t see the two of them lasting much longer.

“He probably is [better than what Arsenal have] but he’s 24 and he hasn’t had a lot of football in the last couple of seasons.

“They’re in a position where they have to gamble.

“They can’t afford to go out and sign a recognised centre-back and spend a lot of money on them.

“I guess, at the end of the day, Rugani is a gamble. But it’s a good gamble.

“He’s going to be a hit [if he joins Arsenal].”

 

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Arsenal Juventus Daniele Rugani

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