According to reports from Calcio Mercato, manager Massimo Allegri has insisted Arsenal and Manchester United target Daniele Rugani will ‘stay at Juventus for the next ten years’.
The 21-year-old centre-back is regarded as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in Italian football, having played an integral role in Empoli finishing eight points above relegation last season by featuring in every minute of their Serie A campaign.
He’s been on Juve’s books since 2013 and after two seasons on loan at the Mapei Stadium, where he originally rose through the youth ranks, the Italy U21 moved to Turin during the summer with the hope of challenging Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci for a regular first team role.
But the 6 foot 2 defender has thus far made just one senior outing for the Old Lady – a stoppage time substitute stint against Sevilla in the Champions League – leading to widespread speculation over his future.
Arsenal saw a £13million bid rejected during the summer and have since been tipped to revive their interest, Premier League title rivals Manchester United are also known long-term admirers, whilst Napoli are believed to be preparing a €18million bid that would see Rugani reunited with former Empoli boss Maurizio Sarri.
But Juve’s Massimo Allegri has insisted that the youngster won’t be allowed to leave the club anytime soon – in fact, he believes Rugani will be at Juventus Stadium for the next decade.
As quoted by Calcio Mercato, the Old Lady gaffer told reporters; “He will stay at Juventus for the next ten years, as he represents our future. At the moment he is in competition with the three defenders of the Italian national team, so that it’s difficult to give him a chance, but his moment will arrive. I like the way he’s training, he’s improving a lot.”
A January loan within the realms of Serie A, however, could still be on the cards. Rugani is expected to make a transfer request in the coming window and a loan move to Sampdoria has been mooted as a potential solution that will appease his desperation for first team football until the end of the season.