ARSENAL are keeping tabs on young Juventus defender Merih Demiral – but would need to stump up 34million if they make a January move.
The 21-year-old Turkey centre-back has only played one game for the Turin giants since his 16m summer switch from fellow Serie A outfit Sassuolo.
But he has been a mainstay of Turkey’s bid to reach the Euro 2020 finals, and has already played four games for the national side this season, helping them to three wins and a draw in France.
Demiral joined Sassuolo from Alanyaspor halfway through last season and played 14 league games as he immediately held down a first-team spot.
But his switch to Juve has not worked out well, as he has been unable to force his way into ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri’s plans.
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt arrived a fortnight afterwards and has become key to the Old Lady’s hopes of retaining their title.
And Gunners boss Unai Emery is ready to step in as he could offer the player more game time.
Arsenal have plenty of options at centre-half but their leaky back line is the main reason they are struggling to get a foothold into the top four.
They have the joint worst defence in the Premier League’s top nine, conceding 17 goals in 12 games.
Italian outlet Calciomercato report that both the Londoners and Atletico Madrid are carefully monitoring Demiral’s situation.
Juve’s 34m valuation – double what they paid for him five months ago – has already frightened off AC Milan.
Demiral will reportedly speak to his agent in December if he is still frozen out of Sarri’s plans – and force through a transfer to either England or Spain.
Although Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici is a big fan, Demiral will not put up with being on the sidelines.
