Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Manuel Locatelli, who is valued at €40 million by Sassuolo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, the race to sign Manuel Locatelli in the summer transfer window is picking up steam. The Italian midfielder is being tailed by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, with Sassuolo valuing him at around €40 million.
Locatelli has gone on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A over the last couple of years. In this period, the 23-year-old has become a mainstay for Sassuolo while also becoming a regular for the Italian national side, for whom he has been phenomenal so far at UEFA Euro 2020.
This past season, Locatelli made 34 appearances for Sassuolo, chipping in with four goals and three assists. His progress in recent times has invariably caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid among those keen on signing him.
Barcelona could have a dual usage of Locatelli. The Italian midfielder could either be a long-term successor for Sergio Busquets, who will need to be phased out soon enough or as a like-for-like alternative for Georginio Wijnaldum. His ability to play in any position in midfield could make him quite an appealing prospect for Barcelona, who are showing an interest in him.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, need to start laying down a succession plan for Luka Modric, who is starting to run on fumes and could be doing so in 2021/22. In addition, Locatelli could also provide cover for Casemiro, which all adds up to make him an option worth considering for Real Madrid.
As for Atletico Madrid, Saul Niguez is facing an uncertain future at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Barcelona coincidentally one of his suitors. While Rodrigo De Paul is being touted to join the La Liga champions this summer, another midfield signing could be on the cards, seeing as Hector Herrera also has question marks surrounding his future.
In addition to the three La Liga powerhouses, Sevilla are also interested in the Italian midfielder, who is valued at around €40 million by Sassuolo. What now remains to be seen is if any of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid step up their efforts to land Locatelli, or if he joins some other club, with his list of suitors growing at an express rate.