Arsenal to beat Manchester United in signing Turkish defender?

Arsenal have reportedly jumped ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign defender Merih Demiral from Serie A holders Juventus.

The Turkish centre-back only joined the Bianconeri from Sassuolo over the summer but he has struggled for playing time with just three appearances in the Italian top-flight.

According to Fotomac, both United and Arsenal are keeping a close watch on the player's proceedings but the latter hold the edge in the pursuit of the central defender.

The north London side are desperately on the look out for a new centre-back after the season-ending injury for Calum Chambers and Demiral is one of the names recommended by manager Mikel Arteta.

Demiral was purchased for around £15m by the Bianconeri last summer but the Gunners won't get him on the cheap, considering the Turin giants are likely to demand at least three times of that value.

It is unclear whether the Gunners have the funds to push through the transfer deal but they could yet negotiate staggered payments or an initial loan move with the option to buy.