Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is chasing the services of Italian defender Daniele Rugani and is prepared to pay €10m for his signature.
Wenger has been impressed with the 20-year-old's performances for Empoli in the current campaign and is keen to take him to north London in the summer transfer window, according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport.
Rugani has been on loan at Empoli from Juventus and the Italian champions' stance on the defender is unclear, meaning Arsenal may have significant work to do to convince the Serie A giants to sell.
There is also interest from Genoa, who are eyeing taking Rugani on loan for next season.
Rugani is a product of Empoli's youth system, but was quickly spotted by Juventus, who swooped to sign him at first on loan in 2012 and then permanently the following year.
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A centre-back by trade, Rugani has long been tipped for the top and has represented Italy at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.
Rugani has featured regularly for Empoli in Serie A this season, with 34 appearances to his name.
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