Former Arsenal target Manuel Locatelli certainly played like the European champion that he is last night.
The Juventus midfielder, who snubbed Arsenal to join the Italian giants this past summer, helped Euro 2020 winners Italy to a 0-0 draw against Switzerland in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.
Locatelli produced a masterful midfield performance, culminating in winning the game’s Man of the Match award.
The 23-year-old set up three goalscoring chances – more than anyone else on the pitch according to WhoScored – but the Azzurri couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities in the end.
You could see why so many clubs were chasing the maestro – including Arsenal who were crying out for that kind of creativity and industry last term – and here’s how Twitter reacted to his performance:
Gutted
The Gunners boss – reported to be a big fan – will have been gutted to miss out on this signing.
And for two reasons –
a) Locatelli is clearly a very fine player and one with a glittering future in football
b) Arsenal actually gazumped Juventus and offered the player more money than the Italian giants, according to Calciomercato, and yet it wasn’t enough to get him to the Emirates.
Locatelli really didn’t want to join Arsenal and considering Arteta’s side have lost their first three Premier League games, it’s safe to say he won’t be kicking himself anytime soon.
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