ARSENAL are reportedly leading the race to snare Juventus defender Merih Demiral away from Turin in the summer.
The Gunners are known to be admirers of the 21-year-old, with the North London club one of a number of clubs that were interested in signing him in January.
According to Italian news outfit Calciomercato, Mikel Arteta’s side are favourites to land the Turkish international should he leave at the end of the season.
They state that the Old Lady value the centre-back at over £35million, but they are reluctant to part ways with him.
It has been claimed that Juve are even prepared to offer him a new deal, despite Demiral only featuring five times in Serie A this term.
Demiral hasn’t featured since he picked up a knee injury in the 2-1 away win at Roma on January 12 – a game in which he scored.
But the club believe he could be a long-term successor for Giorgio Chiellini, who turns 36 in the summer.
However he could be tempted by a move away once the window reopens, as Matthijs de Ligt and Leonardo Bonucci are the club’s first choice partnership.
It’s been well reported that Arsenal are in the hunt for a new centre-back, but failure to secure Champions League football could limit the quality of player they can bring in.
RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, with the French youth international ‘dreaming’ of playing in the Premier League.
And Lille’s defensive stalwart Gabriel is also believed to be on the Gunners’ radar as he too admitted he is longing to feature in the English top-flight.
