+34
Leicester have already seen a bid rejected for the Turkish defender, while the Gunners are reportedly preparing a mammoth offer to fend off interest from the Foxes
New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta seeking defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, after Calum Chambers was ruled out for up to nine months with an ACL injury. Demiral, 21, only arrived at Juventus in the summer but until recently has struggled for game time due to the club's wealth of centre-backs - which has alerted a host of top European clubs.
AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Schalke are all also believed to be keen on the defender - but Arsenal were believed to be favourites for his signature, according to Turkish newspaper Fotomac . However Leicester are looking to steal a march on their rivals after Sky Italy reported Juve had turned down a bid in excess of £25.5 million from the Midlands club. Demiral has rarely featured since his summer switch to the Serie A giants, but has fought his way into the side to start Juve's last four games in all competitions. His lack of action hasn't put Arsenal off, with The Sun reporting that the Gunners are preparing a £42.5million bid. After Chambers was this week ruled out for six to nine months, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back. "The reality is we will not be able to do much. I'm more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we're trying to do. "And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let's do it." Up until the last four games, Demiral found himself behind Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt in the Juventus centre-back pecking order. The reigning Serie A champions also have captain Giorgio Chiellini set to return from injury, while Daniel Rugani - who has also been linked with Arsenal - provides further competition. The Gunners have also been linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, Nathan Ake of Bournemouth and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng.
Please follow us on Google to support usIreland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jorge Mendes 'working on deal' to secure Lemar transfer to ArsenalArsenal have been linked with a move for long-term transfer target Thomas Lemar - and reports in Spain claim Jorge Mendes is working on a deal
Read more »
Every completed Premier League deal in January transfer windowThe January transfer window is open and Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City are set to follow Liverpool's lead and get business done this month
Read more »
Arsenal's 'transfer advantage' over Tottenham in pursuit of Thomas LemarThe north London rivals are reported to be battling it out for the Atletico Madrid star but the Gunners are thought to have the edge over Spurs
Read more »
Brendan Rodgers sends warning to Man Utd over James Maddison transferOle Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been strongly linked with a move for the Leicester midfielder in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad
Read more »
Merson still bravely fighting his demons 25 years after tearful press conferenceFormer England and Arsenal star Paul Merson admits he wanted to commit suicide just 12 months ago as he struggled to battle his addictions
Read more »
Eriksen 'edges closer to Inter Milan transfer' as Man Utd face missing outThe Danish midfielder looks set to finally leave Tottenham but appears to be heading abroad rather than to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side
Read more »