LEICESTER have overtaken Arsenal as frontrunners to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, Italian reports claim.
The 25-year-old centre-back was linked with an Emirates throughout the summer, but David Luiz was instead signed on deadline day from Chelsea for 8million.
With Calum Chambers injured, and Shkodran Mustafi still out of favour the Gunners have reignited their interest for the Italian.
But according to CalcioMercato, Leicester are leading the race to sign Rugani.
It is claimed the Serie A champions will demand 21million, a price drop from their initial 34m estimation in the summer.
Old Lady bosses are also open to loaning out the Italian with the option of making the move permanent in the summer.
The defender has made just three appearances in all competitions this season, with Leonardo Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt and Merih Demiral preferred ahead of him.
It leaves Juve boss Maurizio Sarri ready to offload Rugani and the Foxes are said to have already prepared a 65,000-a-week contract for the centre-half.
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Arsenal failed in an audacious attempt to land the 25-year-old in a two-years loan deal.
The Gunners have also been linked with RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
But it is understood they have been put off a deal signing 21-year-old after the Bundesliga leaders slapped an 80m price tag on him.
