Finally, the rest of Europe is familiar with the information that Serie A viewers (and avid Football Manager players) have been shouting from their balconies for the past two seasons: Manuel Locatelli is one of the best midfielders on the continent.
All that was required was an immaculate and breakthrough performance on the international stage for the 23-year-old and did twice in Italy’s 3-0 destruction of Switzerland.
It was an evening that confirmed gliding Azzurri’s place as new insidious favorites for Euro 2020, and produced one of the most dominant and balanced midfield screens we have seen during the summer tournament.
At the heart of it was Locatelli, which added another € 10 million to its ever-increasing price tag. The Sassuolo star is the most sought-after central midfielder in Italian football right now, and his future is destined to be away from Emilia-Romagna.
The former Milan star’s incredible range of skills means he can play a variety of roles across the middle of the park, making him the perfect signing for several European giants in the transfer window. But which club needs him the most and which is the best step for the midfielder?
90min evaluates Locatelli’s long line of admirers.
An Arsenal / Mike Hewitt / Getty Images light superstar
Is the year 2004? No. So why is Arsenal linked to the best players in the world? In the best possible way, the Gunners do not have a chance in this race – and all the narrow hopes they hold have been shattered by Locatelli’s dazzling exhibitions on the European stage.
Arsenal simply cannot compete in terms of salary, current ambitions or future hopes for cutlery, and there is absolutely no reason for Locatelli to choose north London over several other destinations.
Mikel Arteta would really love to distribute him in his midfield, and they need a player like him on their team – but just as Burnley need a player like that on their team – he’s just above their level right now.
Sorry, but it is not the step up in his career that the Italian will look for.
A stacked midfield / Alex Livesey / Getty Images
Liverpool fans will be desperate for some investment this summer, after putting up a rather pathetic title defense. Locatelli could be a possible signing, especially with Naby Keita continuing to disappoint in red.
But would Locatelli be best suited for Liverpool’s system? Realistically, he does not replace Fabinho in the midfield base, and Thiago Alcantara is the team’s pass champion.
It leaves captain Jordan Henderson in place, which would be difficult to pinch. So, on paper, that Liverpool’s midfield is immobile, and Locatelli would remain and try to get his few minutes to count. He deserves better than that.
Ready for a move / Emilio Andreoli / Getty Images
Paris Saint-Germain have made some serious deals in the transfer window this summer, with the hires of Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma to improve an already star-studded side.
Together with Marco Verratti – the man Locatelli will have to step down from Italy’s midfield when the superstar returns from injury – PSG have some wonderful options in the middle of the park.
Locatelli would certainly add to his abundance of riches, but the team (and atmosphere) may not be the best place for his personal growth and development as a player.
Locatelli may be the new Toni Kroos / Markus Gilliar / Getty Images
Locatelli has made comparisons with Real Madrid maestro Toni Kroos in the past, although his ability to dribble the ball and run between the lines makes him a more rounded – if not as technically talented – player.
But with Madrid’s central options coming at the end of their respective careers, los Merengues will have to look for some young blood to get the energy and drive back to midfield.
Locatelli fits in perfectly with this Madrid team, although it can be argued that the quality of the squad has dropped so much that the Santiago Bernabeu is no longer the tempting view it once was.
Do they even have money, anyway?
If Juventus want to prove that they are ready to be the best dogs in Italy again, they must pay Sassuolo no matter how much they ask for Locatelli and give the player what he wants.
He is the answer to so many of the problems they have encountered over the past two years, with their unbalanced and poor midfield options eventually biting them behind.
Locatelli have the potential to become their new Andrea Pirlo – not as a coach but as a midfield general, who dictates the game and gives it the control and scary aura they have lost since Massimiliano Allegri left in 2019.
Thinking about midfield / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Speaking of Football Manager, it seems to be the most common transfer in the history of video games – and we can see why. Locatelli may be the natural heir to Fernandinho’s throne.
The young Italian can protect the defense and play as a holding midfielder, even if it would not utilize his offensive set of skills. He could add the layer of protection needed to allow Kevin de Bruyne to flourish and Ilkay Gundogan to return to goal every week.
In terms of ability, he would run straight into this Manchester City side, and his flexibility to be able to play anywhere over midfield makes him an ideal Pep Guardiola player. Can’t see much wrong with this one.
Potential future midfield partners / Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Ask any Manchester United supporter, and they would probably say that they are just a midfielder and a midfielder from being a force in European football again.
Locatelli is the answer to half of their problems. As with Man City, he would be used as a shield for the defense, rather than a box-to-box player or mezzala, meaning his goal record would be hampered.
But Man Utd do not need another attack-oriented midfielder – just ask Donny van de Beek. When it comes to how much the club needs him, and how well suited he would be to their team, this is the best partnership.
Locatelli, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. Just give them the title now.
