Juventus have received a bid of € 30 million (£ 25.7 million) for Manuel Locatelli’s rejected, and Sassuolo are determined to stick to their original valuation of € 40 million (£ 34.3).
The Italian midfielder’s fantastic performances in Serie A last season have seen a number of clubs register interest in him, while his Euro 2020 displays only served as a driving force for speculation about his future.
Locatelli has already told Sassuolo that he intends to leave to look for Champions League football, with Juventus appearing first to secure his signature.
It was recently revealed that the old lady’s football manager Federico Cherubini would meet with Sassuolo boss Giovanni Carnevali to discuss a deal, although negotiations have not started from the start with Goal reporting that a first bid of € 30 million has been quickly rejected.
Juve’s offer included an initial two-year loan with an obligation to buy, in which the Serie A giants desperately tried to structure a deal that would not be counteracted by their ongoing financial problems.
Manuel Locatelli played for Italy in Euro 2020 / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Not only has Sassuolo judged the fee to be insufficient, they have also snubbed Juve’s proposed structure of the deal.
Discussions between the two parties are expected to continue in the coming weeks, although Sassuolo have made it clear that they want 40 million euros for the midfield ace and they want the move to be permanent.
One club that will undoubtedly keep an eye on the negotiations is Arsenal. The Gunners have also been credited with an interest in Locatelli, but their inability to offer Champions League football has seen them fall behind in the race to sign the midfielder.
Should talks between Juve and Sassuolo break down, Arsenal may be able to step in and benefit as Mikel Arteta looks set to strengthen his midfield options ahead of the 2021/22 season.
