According to Sassuolo sporting director Giovanni Carnevali, Arsenal have tabled an official bid for Manuel Locatelli.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stellar 2020-21 season and the Italian international was rewarded with a call up to the national squad for Euro 2020. The midfielder is showing excellent form for the Azzurri, scoring two goals in three appearances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sassuolo sporting director Giovanni Carnevali confirmed that the north London club have made an official bid for the midfielder, Carnevali said:
“It’s true that other clubs from abroad are interested, Arsenal are one of these and they are ahead of everyone else because they tabled the only concrete offer we have received so far.”
The Neroverdi sporting director further stated that Juventus are also in the race for Locatelli and talks will continue between the two parties regarding a potential transfer, he said:
“Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli, We met last week with (Juventus sporting director Federico) Cherubini. There is interest from their side, we haven’t explored all the terms and evaluations, but we have an excellent relationship with Juventus so we will continue these talks.”
The midfielder has two years remaining on his current contract and has a market value of £31.50 million(Transfermarket). So, the Gunners will have to spend a sizeable part of the transfer budget to get the youngster to London.
Arsenal Fever View:
Manuel Locatelli will certainly be a statement signing for Arsenal. Beating Juventus in a transfer race will show the club’s ability to attract talents, despite the recent downfall.
The 23-year-old will be a perfect addition to the Gunners midfield. He is quick, strong and technically gifted as well. The midfielder also has the necessary attributes to be involved at both ends of the pitch.
The Sassuolo man can shoot from distance and also has an eye for long passes. He can provide creativity from midfield which was one of the issues for the north Londoners last season.
The similar playing style of Roberto De Zerbi and Mikel Arteta will help the young midfielder in settling down quickly. The Italian could establish himself as an integral part of the Gunners’ system alongside Thomas Partey.
Signing Locatelli will improve Arsenal’s midfield and will secure the center of the pitch for many years to come. With Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, the Sassuolo man will be an upgrade for the north London club.
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