Arsenal knocked back in bid to sign Juve midfielder – report
Juventus have rejected an offer from Arsenal for their Gabon international midfielder Mario Lemina, according to reports in Italy.
Calciomercato state that the Gunners have already seen a €16million bid knocked back by the Italian champions, and that Juve value the players at €20m.
Watford and Schalke have also been credited with interest in the player, and the Italian outlet states that the Hornets have made an offer which matches the Bianconeri’s asking price.
Lemina is reportedly not keen on a move to Vicarage Road however, and admitted in an interview with RMC Sport last year that he is happy at Juventus.
“This is the biggest club in Italy and an opportunity to show what I can do on the international stage.
“I’m going to have to show my qualities. I know that [Allegri] likes what I do on the pitch and that he will make me progress as a player. When I first arrived I was impressed… there are great champions here who have won a lot of trophies.”
A defensive midfielder by trade, the 22-year-old is contracted with Juventus until 2020, and having already lost Paul Pogba the Turin side will not be keen on the idea of losing another talent.
However, he did make just 10 first team appearances last season, and game time is important for the development of the player.
