Juventus will hire Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with a deal worth around € 35 million plus bonuses nearing completion.
The 23-year-old has been at the center of a tug-of-war between Juventus and the rest of Europe this summer, after announcing himself on the world stage with some eye-catching screens in the first rounds of Euro 2020.
Arsenal were interested in capturing Locatelli from Neroverdi, who demanded a fee of 40 million euros for his talisman in midfield. But Corriere dello Sport reports that Juventus have won the race to sign the former Milan man, and the two sides should agree on a fee when they meet for the third time on Thursday.
So far, Bianconeri has offered 35 million euros for the central midfielder, but Sassuolo is holding out at the originally listed price. However, they are prepared to accept Juve’s terms for a multi-year loan agreement with an obligation to buy at the end.
And Juve will have to pay € 35 million plus bonuses to land their man, who will shave directly into Massimiliano Allegers midfield for the 2021/22 campaign.
Locatelli has long wanted to move to Turin, and his desire to play for the Italian giants was the main factor behind Arsenal’s failed attempt to lure him to the Premier League. The Euro 2020 winner rejected Gunner’s progress, indicating that he was only interested in moving to Juve.
The Bianconeri midfield has lacked the most important ingredient in the middle of the pitch for a couple of years, and their failure to strengthen key areas culminated in them handing over their Serie A crown and just scrapping the Champions League qualifier last year.
Locatelli impressed in Italy’s brilliant Euro 2020 campaign / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
But they believe Locatelli is the man who kicks them back to the top of the table, after his impressive showing at Euro 2020 showed he is ready for elite football. The Sassuolo star made two appearances in five matches at the summer tournament and helped Italy win the competition in London.
