Arsenal transfer news: Manuel Locatelli bid confirmed

Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali has revealed that Arsenal have made an attempt to sign 23-year-old midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

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The Italian enjoyed a meteoric rise during a fantastic 2019/20 season in Serie A and has increased his transfer value with some impressive performances at Euro 2020, the best of which was a two-goal game in a 3-0 victory over Switzerland.

Juventus were seen as the overwhelming favorites to secure Locatelli’s signature, but it was recently revealed that both Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal were prepared to compete with them – and it seems that the latter has taken the first step.

“Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Locatelli, and perhaps they are the ones at the forefront because they have made an important offer to us,” Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia. “In fact, they are so far the only team that has made a concrete offer.”

A fee of around £ 40 million was proposed earlier this summer, but it has been reported that Sassuolo are prepared to demand close to £ 60 million for the 23-year-old, whose contract only has two years left to run.

Arsenal have made a formal bid for Locatelli / Vincenzo Izzo / Getty Images

How much Arsenal have offered is unclear. Sassuolo is perceived to be keen on a cash-only deal and would rather not handle player changes, so the Gunners would probably need to find a way to raise as much as £ 40 million if they want a deal.

It is the latest transfer link in what has already been a hectic summer for Mikel Arteta’s side. Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares will sign a £ 7million deal, with Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga due to his own £ 15m move to the Emirates Stadium.

Renato Sanches is also a target for Arsenal, while there is also great interest in a number of other players – the Brighton duo Ben White and Yves Bissouma, Leicester playmaker James Maddison and also Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves, whose share has risen sharply in Lisbon after to have helped push his side to the Primeira Liga title 2020/21.

Despite Arsenal’s aggressive tactics, Juventus are still seen as potential favorites to sign Locatelli due to their good relationship with Sassuolo – something Carnevali was anxious to stress.

Juventus also want Locatelli / Claudio Villa / Getty Images

“Juventus want Locatelli and we have a special bond with them,” he added. “We have planned a new meeting with Juve to talk about this.”

It is believed that Juventus have worked with a player plus a cash contract including the young midfielder Radu Dragusin, but Sassuolo’s desire for a cash offer has opened the door for Arsenal.

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