Arsenal have upped their offer for Manuel Locatelli reportedly submitting a new €40 million proposal for the midfielder, as Juventus also remain interested.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have made a €40 million offer to Sassuolo for midfielder Manuel Locatelli. The new bid comes after Sassuolo made clear of the price range they were looking for the midfielder, and the Gunners have obliged. Juventus remain the frontrunner, but the new bid should test their resolve.
Manuel Locatelli’s impressive season in Serie A and subsequently at the UEFA Euro 2020 hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ever since Arsenal made it clear they want to sign the Sassuolo star, the race for the Italian international has picked speed. Juventus are also in the chase, with the player himself wanting to join the Bianconeri.
However, should the financial situation across the Italian league be taken into consideration, it could directly impact this particular deal. Juventus are short of funds at the moment and have not made an offer to Sassuolo’s liking. Locatelli’s club are demanding upwards of €40 million, but Juve are willing to offer way less.
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirmed Arsenal’s offer for Locatelli but did admit Juventus were the front runners. If the current report is accurate, the Gunners have increased their previous offer and made a €40 million bid, which may also not be enough to convince Locatelli’s sale.
Instead, Sassuolo could pressure Juventus to offer more than the Gunners or at least come close. Arsenal are believed to be playing a waiting game to see how the situation with the Serie A giants unfolds. The Premier League side have made it clear they want Locatelli as a priority but respect the player’s wishes.
Arsenal are also looking at alternatives for Locatelli if they are unable to prise the midfielder away from Italy. Houssem Aouar is linked again with a €25 million move, and the transfer could materialise if they cannot sign their primary target from Italy.
Arsenal’s interest in Locatelli comes after it has become clear that Granit Xhaka will leave the Emirates, leaving a huge void in midfield. Mikel Arteta rates the Switzerland international highly but wants his side to have a different approach than what he offered so far.
There have been other targets, such as Ruben Neves from Wolves or Yves Bissouma of Brighton. Still, Arsenal are adamant about waiting on Locatelli and reviewing their options after the situation unfolds.
The new €40 million offer for Locatelli does signify Arsenal’s serious intent regarding the midfielder but also puts tremendous pressure on Juventus to act on their interest. It remains to be seen where will Locatelli end up before the transfer window closes.