Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli, with the Gunners ready to offer Kieran Tierney.
Manuel Locatelli has struggled to hit top form since his move to Juventus, and he has been linked with a departure in recent months. A report from Calciomercatoweb claims that Arsenal are prepared to sign him at the end of the season, and they could offer Kieran Tierney in exchange.
The 25-year-old left-back has fallen down the pecking order and might not have a bright future at Arsenal. And he might need to leave the Gunners in order to get his career back on track.
Tierney was regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects in Scottish football during his time at Celtic. But he has not developed as expected. The lack of game time at Arsenal is clearly affecting him, and he needs to move on in the summer.
If Arsenal can convince Juventus to sell Locatelli in an exchange deal involving Tierney, it could prove to be a smart decision. Arsenal need midfield reinforcements, and someone like Locatelli could be more useful for Arteta than Tierney.
Arsenal already have a quality left-back in Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Nuno Tavares is set to return to the club from his impressive loan spell at the end of the season. The Gunners can afford to sanction Tierney’s departure in the summer, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. As for Locatelli, the 25-year-old Italian international has been linked with a move to Arsenal for years now.
He helped Italy win the UEFA European Championships in 2020, and his performance caught the attention of the London club back then. However, the player decided to join Juventus in a move that has clearly not worked out for him. A fresh start in the Premier League could be ideal for the player, and it could be an attractive option for him as well.
If Arsenal manage to win the Premier League title this season, they will be an attractive destination for most players. And Locatelli will feel that this is a good opportunity for him to get his career back on track. Working with Arteta could help him regain his form and confidence. The highly talented box-to-box midfielder could be the ideal partner for Thomas Partey and would complete Arsenal’s midfield next season.