Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back continued on Wednesday as the club were locked in talks with Juventus over the signing of Daniele Rugani.

Juventus are willing to part with Rugani after landing Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax but are holding out for a fee of around £40million.

The Gunners believe the 25-year-old is keen on a move to north London with reports in Italy suggesting a basic wage of £70,000-a-week has already been agreed but that was yet to confirmed as of Tuesday morning.

Arsenal have committed a large portion of their summer transfer budget already and are keen to explore a loan deal with a view to buy or staggering payments in a permanent deal as they did in the £72m acquisition of Nicolas Pepe from Lille.

The Gunners remain keen on Dayot Upamecano but a deal looks increasingly likely with Red Bull Leipzig so far unwilling to budge from their £70million valuation while manager Julian Nagelsmann viewing the 20-year-old as an important part of his plans. They have been encouraged that Upamecano would be keen on a moe to England but the two clubs remain a long way apart in their respective valuations.

Mohamed Elneny is in talks to join Galatasaray while Bristol City are front-runners in the race to sign Eddie Nketiah on a season-long loan.