Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Daniele Rugani this summer, although their initial £26.5 million bid has been rejected by Juventus.
According to a report by The Sun, Daniele Rugani could be on his way to Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues have agreed personal terms with the Italian defender, although their first bid worth £26.5 million has been knocked back by Juventus.
Rugani is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the world, although he has had a tough time establishing himself as a regular in the Juventus first-team setup since returning from a loan spell from boyhood club Empoli.
The likes of Medhi Benatia, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini were ahead of him in the pecking order this past season, which meant Rugani could only amass 26 appearances for the Bianconeri. So, while he continues to be rated quite highly, the player wants to secure regular first-team football, which is likely to see him leave Juventus this summer.
Arsenal have been the most heavily linked club with the 23-year-old thus far, but it looks like London rivals Chelsea could be the Premier League outfit that snap him up instead this summer.
With Maurizio Sarri reportedly on the brink of finally arriving at Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte’s replacement, Chelsea seem to be finally getting into the thick of things in the transfer market. Unsurprisingly, a number of Serie A-based players have been linked with the West Londoners, with Sarri observing the players quite closely
Chelsea have been reported to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, with Kostas Manolas linked as well. The Blues have a somewhat ageing central defensive unit with both Gary Cahill and David Luiz on the wrong side of 30, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger the only other natural central defensive options in a back-four.
Rugani is thus, a viable target, who can be a long-term solution at the back for Chelsea. His ability to build-up play from the back as well as his aerial prowess will also make the youngster a good fit, with his best years well ahead of him.
The report suggests that Chelsea have already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms, but their first bid worth £26.5 million for the Italian international has been turned down by Juventus.
The Bianconeri’s asking price hasn’t been mentioned and it remains to how much they want to recoup in exchange for the player. What does give Chelsea a good chance is the fact that Juventus are reportedly scouring the transfer market for possible replacements, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Diego Godin linked.
But, it goes without saying that they will have to improve their offer in order to secure Rugani’s services. As far as the 23-year-old is concerned, a move to Stamford Bridge could give him the chance to kickstart his career and become a regular in the Italian National Side as the Roberto Mancini era begins.
