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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Juventus defender Merih Demiral a transfer target for Arsenal and Man Utd

Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral is interesting both Arsenal and Manchester United, with both clubs keeping tabs on the player ahead of a possible bid in January.

The Turkish international only joined Juventus this summer but has so far made only one appearance in all competitions, with manager Maurizio Sarri clearly not convinced by his abilities.

Juve paid around £15m to prise Demiral from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo in July, and according to Tuttosport they would consider an offer of €40m (£34.25m) for the player.

Juventus, who currently lead Serie A by one point ahead of Inter Milan, have tended to start with Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt at the back, with Daniele Rugani usually favoured over Demiral as the first back-up choice.

Merih Demiral in action for Turkey against Iceland (TOLGA BOZOGLU/EPA-EFE/REX)

They also have Georgio Chiellini yet to come back into the fold, with the Italian legend expected to be out until March after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September, which could see Demiral fall even further down the defensive pecking order.

Both Arsenal and United have struggled to keep goals out so far this season, with David Luiz doing little to help shore up a leaky Gunners back-line, while although Harry Maguire has largely impressed for United, they have only kept two clean sheets in the Premier League all season.

It has been reported that both clubs sent scouts to watch Demiral in action for Turkey during their Euro 2020 qualifiers this week, and he would have impressed as he played the full 90 minutes in his side's 0-0 draw with Iceland, a result which saw Turkey confirm their qualification for next summer's tournament.

Demiral is expected to cost close to £35m (SIPA USA/PA Images)

It remains to be seen whether any other teams show an interest in Demiral, with AC Milan reportedly interested over the summer before Juventus signed him.

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