Daniele Rugani played under Maurizio Sarri when the two were at Empoli and the Italian coach wanted to sign the defender for Chelsea last summer, but no deal took shape.
There were also talks about Arsenal’s interest in securing the services of the centre-back in order to bolster their back four.
His agent Davide Torchia sat down for an interview with Calciomercato and revealed the 24-year-old said ‘no to Arsenal’.
Asked about an offer from Unai Emery’s side, the centre-back’s representative said: “They were among the first interested clubs. Let’s say that that interest was time-barred (laughs).”
“There were also other clubs, but it’s useless to talk about it now. There are requests, but there’s no need to advertise.”
The Italy international made only 14 starts in the league this season and despite limited playing time with the Old Lady, the player committed his future to the Turin club by signing an extension in March. His current deal runs down in 2023.
Massimiliano Allegri currently has Leonardo Bonucci (32), Giorgio Chiellini (34), Andrea Barzagli (38) and Rugani as the first-choice centre-backs at his disposal.
The latter is aware he will now get his chance to play regular football, especially with the other three defenders in their 30s.
