Arsenal have reportedly spoken with Juventus defender Merih Demiral’s representatives, in a bid to sign him up in January.
The 21-year-old Turkish defender moved to the Italian champions in the summer transfer window, but has made just a solitary appearance so far.
According to Turkish Football, the north London club are interested in signing the centre back and could make a bid for him in January.
The report states that Juventus are not interested in selling the player they bought in the summer for €18 million. But, it also claims that Juventus could sell him if any club makes an offer of more than €30 million.
Juventus are keen on sending him out on loan, but the Gunners are only interested in buying permanently.
Demiral moved to Sassuolo from Alanyaspor in January 2019, before Juventus signed him in the summer. He signed a five-year deal with Juventus, but has found playing time very hard to come this season.
Would Merih Demiral be a much-needed addition to Arsenal?
Demiral is perhaps one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe. The Turkish international is a defender who is physically strong, and uses his body to outmuscle opposing attackers.
He is very good in the air, winning an average of 3.9 aerial balls per match for Sassuolo last season.
Demiral is a leader at the back who takes charge of loose balls and clears them, averaging 5.6 clearances in Serie A per game, last season.
The 21-year-old is also a strong tackler, averaging 1.7 tackles per game last season in Serie A. Demiral is a threat in the opposition’s box from set-pieces thanks to his aerial prowess.
The Gunners need a player like Demiral, who is strong, quick, and defends first before thinking of attacking, while also being good in the air. The Gunners have already conceded 17 goals in 12 games in the Premier League as the likes of David Luiz and Sokratis have not been good enough at the back.
Demiral is young, has a lot of potential, and is a solid modern-day defender, which is currently missing in the Arsenal backline. But, it will be interesting to see if Juventus actually allow the Turkish international to leave the club, just months after signing him.