Arsenal are not believed to have made an official bid for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, despite the Italian manager saying otherwise.
Giovanni Carnevali recently claimed that Arsenal were “at the forefront” in the race for the 23-year-old midfielder as they were the only side to have made an official bid and placed them ahead of both Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
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According to Goal, this is not entirely true.
Sources in the Emirates are said to have admitted to talking to Sassuolo about a move for Locatelli but have refused to submit an official bid, instead insisting that the Italian international is simply one of several targets under consideration.
There is a belief that Carnevali’s latest comments are more of a negotiation tactic, with the Sassuolo boss using Arsenal’s name publicly in an attempt to intimidate the big suitors Juventus to meet their demands.
Arsenal have denied reports of a bid / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Sassuolo are looking for around £ 35m for Locatelli and are only interested in cash offers, but Juventus have declined to pay yet.
Instead, I have offered Bianconeri almost 26 million pounds and have suggested sending the young midfielder Radu Dragusin elsewhere in exchange.
Arsenal believe Juventus are in the lead for Locatelli and are likely to stop making a deal in the near future, but those in charge of the Emirates will continue to monitor the situation and have not ruled out a formal bid in the future.
Sambi Lokonga is expected to join / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Gunners want to buy two central midfielders this summer. Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga is not far from sealing a £ 17m move for the club, but Arsenal also want to sign someone with more experience in top flight.
Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Wolves’ Ruben Neves are two players under consideration and both would cost around £ 35m to win Locatelli away from Sassuolo.
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