Arsenal have moved ahead of the queue vying for Manuel Locatelli after submitting an official bid for the midfielder, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirms.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news of Arsenal’s interest in Manuel Locatelli, stating the Gunners have already submitted an official bid for the Italian midfielder. The Sassuolo star had been subject to widespread interest, with Juventus also considered as one of his possible destinations.
Juventus are the club Locatelli wishes to move to, as the Italian prefers to stay in Serie A rather than move abroad. However, if an offer from Juventus does not come in quickly then, Locatelli might have to rethink his preferences. He remains sure of leaving Sassuolo, though.
Locatelli has seen his stock rise after some comprehensive performances for Italy at UEFA Euro 2020, scoring two goals so far. Clubs across Europe, including Premier League giants Liverpool, have taken note of the Italian midfielder. However, it’s Arsenal who have moved forward and reportedly submitted a firm offer. Without saying how much Arsenal would have offered, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirmed the bid.
“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel, and it’s an important bid. We will see. Also, Juventus want Locatelli, and we have a special relationship with them. We have a new meeting scheduled with Juve,” Carnevali said.
Those quotes indicate that Juventus are not out of the race yet, although it’s believed they have been unable to offer the price Sassuolo wants. Instead, Juventus offered a low transfer fee and player exchange for Locatelli, which is not what Sassuolo are interested in.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking out for a midfield signing this window to replace Granit Xhaka, who is expected to join Roma. Alternatively, in recent days, Juventus were also linked with Xhaka, but the Swiss midfielder has sights over a move to Roma, or so it is believed. While they are close to signing Albert Sambi Lokonga, Locatelli has also emerged as a viable target.
With Locatelli’s wish to remain in Italy and join Juventus as his preferred club, Arsenal have less chance to sign him. However, in the transfer window, things can change quickly. We will have to wait till the Euros end to see the outcome of the Locatelli transfer saga. It remains to be seen if he joins Arsenal or if Juventus come through for him.
