Arsenal have seen an ambitious two-year loan approach for Daniele Rugani rejected by Juventus .
The Gunners are desperate to bolster their defensive ranks before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday and have prioritised a centre-back.
Rugani, 25, is at the top of their wishlist and the north Londoners recently stepped up their pursuit by making contact with Juve over his availability.
Goal has claimed that the Premier League giants were keen to bring the Italy international to the Emirates on a two-year loan, with an option to make the move a permanent one at the end of his spell.
However Juventus turned down the approach and would rather keep the talented defender in Turin this season.
The Italian giants have doubts over the fitness of Giorgio Chiellini ahead of their league season, which gets underway on August 24, and want to have five defenders at their disposal.
Rugani is also keen to work with Maurizio Sarri again, having enjoyed a good relationship with the manager during their time together with Empoli.
The rejection means Arsenal will have to turn their attention elsewhere, while they also remain in the hunt to sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney.
The Gunners have had two bids rejected for the left-back, with Celtic holding out for around £25million for the 22-year-old who has spent his entire career with the Scottish giants.
Arsenal's latest bid is believed to have met that valuation but the Scots were unhappy with the structure of the bid and will only part ways with their star if they receive more cash up front.
Celtic have seemingly accepted that Tierney could leave before the transfer window slams shut next Thursday, but are yet to agree a fee with the Londoners.
