Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli is expected to choose Juventus over Arsenal if the current club Sassuolo agree to a transfer this summer, with Champions League football a driving factor in his motivation and something the Gunners currently cannot offer him.
Locatelli has resumed his career since he was considered in excess of the requirements of the club boys’ club AC Milan at the age of 20 and impressed for a triumphant Italy at Euro 2020.
Sassuolo has valued Locatelli at EUR 40 million / Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images
Arsenal want to land two central midfielders this summer as part of a larger squad that can see up to £ 250 million spent on new players when it’s over. James Maddison has been on their radar, while a deal will soon be finalized for Anderlecht Albert Sambi Lokonga.
But Locatelli is another midfielder the Gunners are also believed to have watched and The Guardian writes that they are willing to meet Sassuolo’s valuation of 40 million euros.
However, the player’s preference seems to be Juventus and it is said that further talks between the Turin Club and Sassuolo will take place this week.
Sassuolo rejected a first Juve strategy for a loan and an obligation to buy next summer for 30 million euros (25.8 million pounds). They want a straightforward transfer now rather than waiting a year for their money.
The Guardian adds that Arsenal have not yet done anything for Locatelli and will wait for further development in the talks between Juventus and Sassuolo before deciding what to do.
Aside from the reinforcement in midfield – Sambi Lokonga and another – Arsenal are keen on a midfielder, who has already seen them move to the brink to sign Ben White from Brighton in a £ 50million deal. A new goalkeeper and right-back are the other key positions that are mainly aimed at, with Aaron Ramsdale and Max Aaron respectively the most important options on the radar.
Arsenal want another midfielder in addition to Albert Sami Lokonga, who is close to joining from Anderlecht / Sylvain Lefevre / Getty Images
Arsenal specifically want players under the age of 25 with the potential to both improve on the pitch and increase its value. At 23, Locatelli is well suited for that profile.
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