Arsenal are prepared to meet Sassuolo’s asking price for Manuel Locatelli but the Gunners only want players who are happy and convinced about joining the club, claims Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 23-year-old initially joined the Italian club on loan from AC Milan in 2018. One year later, his move was made permanent. He scored seven goals and registered eleven assists in 99 appearances for the Neroverdi.
The midfielder has also been part of Italy’s triumphant run at the Euro 2020 with five appearances including two starts in the group stages.
The north Londoners have been heavily linked with a move for Locatelli but Juventus currently lead the race to him. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian giants have always been the frontrunners and the player continues to push for a move to Turin.
The Journalist also added that Arsenal are willing to pay Sassuolo’s asking price of €40million but they only want to sign players who are ‘happy’ and ‘100% convinced’ about joining the club.
Juventus are always leading the race for Locatelli – new meeting soon with Sassuolo, Manuel is still pushing to join Juve. 🇮🇹
Arsenal’s stance: they’d be prepared to pay Sassuolo price tag [€40m]… but #AFC only want to sign players happy and 100% convinced to join the club.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2021
The Bianconeri’s negotiations with Sassuolo have not significantly advanced over the weeks, raising the Emirates club’s hope of landing the midfielder.
As per reports in Goal, they have rejected the Turin club’s first official offer in the region of €30million. Their proposal was a two-year loan with an obligation to buy. This was not well received as the Neroverdi are looking for a permanent sale and not a loan deal.
Arsenal Fever View:
The Gunners’ midfield is an area of the pitch that undoubtedly needs strengthening with several midfielders already on the verge of completing a move away from North London.
Granit Xhaka has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s system, partnering with Thomas Partey in midfield pivot. But if the Switzerland international’s rumored transfer to Roma materializes it could open up new opportunities in the center of the park for Arsenal.
Locatelli’s distribution stands out among all his qualities. The Italian likes to receive the ball in his own half and spray accurate long balls to progress his team up the pitch. Although he is not the quickest, the 23-year-old possesses massive physical and technical versatility.
The Italian and Xhaka would compliment each other, as one can spread the play with his wide passing range while the other can make skip past the opposition challenges and carry the team into the second phase.
The former AC Milan player’s sights are set on Juventus, which could be why Sassuolo didn’t just accept Arsenal’s reported offer. As long as Juventus remain in the race to sign him, the Italian is going to hold out for that transfer. However, if Arsenal manage to prise him away by convincing the midfielder of Arteta’s project, Locatelli will be a fantastic signing for the Gunners.
Read More: Fans excited as Arsenal are linked with a move for Guido Rodriguez.
