Arsenal have taken a step forward in Manuel Locatelli’s pursuit after submitting a £34 million offer for the Italian midfielder, while Juventus remain the favourites.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Manuel Locatelli by lodging a £34 million bid for the midfielder. Sassuolo are yet to accept or acknowledge such an offer, but sources confirm it. While the proposal meets the Italian club’s valuation, Juventus remain the favourites for the midfielder.
The race for Locatelli drags on as Arsenal refuse to give up on their pursuit. The Premier League outfit have been pursuing the Italian midfielder for an entire summer and pushing hard to sign him up. There were rumours of a bid recently, which is more than Sassuolo’s valuation of the player.
A new £34 million bid is the subject of further discussions after the Gunners reportedly matched Sassuolo’s valuation of the 23-year- old midfielder. The Italian club’s reluctance to acknowledge this particular bid raise questions regarding the rumour itself, but the agent of Juventus youngster Nicolo Fagioli confirmed Arsenal’s offer.
Fagioli was thought to be included in Juventus’ offer for Locatelli. It was believed the Bianconeri offered the 20-year-old plus €25 million to Sassuolo, but Locatelli’s club wanted Juve to meet their valuation and were reportedly uninterested in the player.
Fagioli’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, categorically denied the rumours of his client’s inclusion in the deal. He did confirm Arsenal’s £34 million offer while also indicating that Juventus could not match it. The Bianconeri are very keen on Locatelli, and the 23-year-old himself is dreaming of playing for them.
Arsenal are monitoring their situation closely, as Juventus and Sassuolo have been unable to agree on a deal despite meeting on multiple occasions. Locatelli himself has never rejected Arsenal’s approach but is waiting for Juventus to make a concrete bid for his services. The Italian international remains keen to leave Sassuolo this summer.
The Gunners recently strengthened their squad with the signing of Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. Mikel Arteta is still seeking a central midfielder to replace Granit Xhaka, who is set to join AS Roma. Locatelli has been their main target, with Houssem Aouar, Yves Bissouma and Ruben Neves looked at as well.
As things stand, due to Arsenal’s £34 million bid, Sassuolo have a bargaining card to play with Juventus and demand top value for Locatelli. There are further talks expected between the two Italian clubs, but the Gunners will be waiting patiently to pounce if a deal between them stalls.
