Juventus have resumed contact with Bayern Munich over a deal to sign 2020 Arsenal target Corentin Tolisso in case a transfer for Manuel Locatelli falls through, per Calciomercato.
The Serie A giants are yet to finalise an agreement with Sassuolo for the transfer of Italy’s Euro 2020 winning midfielder. Massimiliano Allegri’s outfit are loath to leave themselves short of reinforcements for the Italian’s first year back in Turin, though.
So, Juventus have reopened a line of communication with Bayern Munich to assess the likelihood of Tolisso leaving Bavaria. The Frenchman is in the final year of his contract in Germany and has long been on Juve’s radar.
But Juventus will only move for Tolisso should they fail to sign Locatelli, who Arsenal have also courted this summer. Sassuolo News claim Mikel Arteta’s side offered €40m (£34m), but the midfielder said no to a switch to north London.
Instead, Locatelli would prefer to join Juventus, and Sassuolo will not force him to accept a move to Arsenal. The Mapei Stadium side do not need the money his exit will raise, so have rejected Juve’s offer of a two-year loan with a €30m (£26m) obligation to buy next year.
Juventus remain hopeful of agreeing a deal for Locatelli, but will keep a close eye on Tolisso at Bayern Munich. L’Equipe report the Bundesliga giants are prepared to sell him for €20m (£17m), a fee too high for Juventus’ taste.
Tolisso is also open to leaving Bayern Munich this summer after enduring a difficult season under Hansi Flick last term. He does not want to go through another campaign only playing a bit-part role following the arrival of Julian Nagelsmann.
Juventus eye former Arsenal target Tolisso as alternative to current in Locatelli
Juventus moving for Tolisso would see Allegri’s side challenge for a former Arsenal target having missed out on a current one in Locatelli. Fussball Transfers reported in May 2020 that Arteta was keen, but a move to Italy was more likely.
Napoli and Juventus were among his suitors at the time, along with admirers from Atletico Madrid. Now, the Old Lady could fire up their pursuit once again with Bayern Munich open to selling after he entered the final year of his contract, if Locatelli is not moving to Turin.
Juventus targeting Tolisso, in a sign they have given up on Locatelli, could be considered a boost for Arsenal’s pursuit. But the Sassuolo maestro’s hesitance to move to the Emirates Stadium will continue to be a problem for Arteta.
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