Scouts from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester City were spotted during one of the European U-21 Championship Qualifiers where Italy U-21s took on Slovenia U-21s, according to Italian media outlet Tutto Mercato.
And as per Football Italia, the talent-spotters at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia on Tuesday had their eyes on 21-year-old Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, who started the game for the hosts at the heart of the defence.
Several reports from the British media have also claimed that Rugani, who plied trade with Empoli for two seasons on loan after being purchased outright by Juventus in the summer of 2013, has already been approached by the Gunners for a probable transfer, believed to be in the winter transfer window, opening for a month in January next year.
The youngster has been impressive with his performances for Empoli in the Serie B in the 2013-14 season, and played an instrumental part as the Italian outfit clinched promotion to the top flight at the end of the season. Rugani was also honoured as the Best Player of Serie B in that season.
Rugani played full 90 minutes in all of the 38 games in the Serie A where Empoli finished 15th last season. He also got on the scoresheet thrice, and did not receive a single yellow card.
However, he is yet to make an appearance for Juventus this season. The Old Lady bought the remainder of the player's registration rights from Empoli this year, to snap him up at the start of the 2015-16 season. And with the presence of big names like Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in the heart of the defence for the Turin giants, Rugani has got his work cut out to feature for the team.
The 21-year-old was however a part of the bench for Juventus in the Serie A games this season against Udinese and Roma. His agent Davide Torchia mentioned earlier this month that Juventus won't be selling Rugani to anyone.
