Transfer News: Arsenal leading race to sign Merih Demiral

Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Juventus star Merih Demiral, who has been identified as a top target by new coach Mikel Arteta.

According to Fotomac, as relayed by The Sun, Arsenal are favourites to sign Merih Demiral. The Juventus defender has been identified as one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets as the Spaniard looks to reshape the backline. It is believed that the Gunners are weighing a bid of £42.5 million in order to attain the services of Demiral.

Arsenal have shown quite an intent in the transfer market, with the north Londoners also reportedly keen on securing a deal for Atletico Madrid star Thomas Lemar. However, signing a defender remains a top priority for new coach Arteta, who seems to have identified the main problems in the Arsenal squad.

Indeed, the Gunners have not fared well, defensively, in the past few years. This season, they have conceded as many as 30 league goals, which is quite unacceptable given the fact that they have two experienced central defenders in Sokratis and David Luiz.

Unfortunately, both of them have committed several errors and have looked quite tentative at the back. And recently, Arteta was given a fresh injury blow when Calum Chambers suffered an ACL injury that could keep him out for around six to nine months.

Hence, Demiral could be a viable target for the Premier League giants. The Juventus star is known for his ability to circulate the ball and regulate the build-up play, which is something the Arsenal defenders have really struggled with, especially Sokratis.

Demiral, in that regard, could add some technical aspect to the Arsenal backline. His technically astute style of play could combine well with the robust nature of Sokratis and Luiz. Moreover, the Turkish international also has a physically imposing 1.90m frame that gives him a considerable advantage in aerial duels.

That means Demiral can not only add a new dimension to Arsenal’s build-up play, but, he can also improve their overall defensive solidity as well as making himself a threat from set-pieces. To that end, Arsenal are plotting a £42.5 million bid for the 21-year-old.

That being said, Juventus are likely to hold onto their prized defender, with the Bianconeri  already resisting offers from Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City, according to a recent report. Therefore, the Gunners will likely have to spend a fortune in order to attain the services of Demiral from the Serie A champions.

They could, however, opt for the Turkish international’s defensive teammate in Daniele Rugani. The Italian has struggled with a lack of game-time under Maurizio Sarri and will be delighted to move elsewhere.

Moreover, he will not be as expensive as Demiral, even though his current contract at Juventus expires in 2024. As for Demiral, it remains to be seen if a £42.5 million offer is good enough for the Serie A champions to sell the player to Arsenal.