Arsenal £35million Bid For Defender Medhi Benatia Rejected By Juventus

Arsenal have reportedly seen a £35million bid for Medhi Benatia rejected by Juventus.

The Gunners are believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements next month.

And Calciomercato claims Benatia has emerged as Arsene Wenger’s top candidate.

Earlier reports said that his Juve team-mate Daniele Rugani was on Arsenal’s radar.

But it appears the Gunners would prefer a centre-back with more experience, leading them to Benatia.

The Morocco international has a fine record in European football, earning his stripes at Roma and Bayern Munich.

And Benatia is now an established part of Juventus’ backline following Leonardo Bonucci’s summer move to AC Milan.

Arsenal appear keen to add him to their stable of top centre-backs, which include Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.

But they may have to turn elsewhere after seeing their £35m offer snubbed by the Italian champs.

Juve apparently have no intention of parting ways with the ace, leaving Arsenal back at square one.