Club director says Arsenal secured deal for ‘perfect’ signing — but player chose another club

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The midfielder was on the verge of moving to the Emirates in 2021 before opting for a different path.

Arsenal’s current status as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations under Mikel Arteta was far from guaranteed just a few years ago. Following early success in the FA Cup and Community Shield, the club endured a more difficult phase in which several high-profile targets declined moves to north London.

During that period, the Gunners pursued multiple elite players, including Dusan Vlahovic and his Juventus teammate Manuel Locatelli. Despite strong interest from Arsenal, neither ultimately made the switch, highlighting how much the club’s profile has since evolved.

Director confirms Locatelli was effectively ‘sold’ to Arsenal

Locatelli emerged as a priority target for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 after his standout performances for Italy at the European Championship. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the north London club viewed the midfielder as an ideal fit for the Premier League and moved aggressively to secure his signature.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar reached an agreement with Sassuolo’s CEO and sporting director Giovanni Carnevali, leaving Arteta confident he had landed his man. However, despite the deal being in place, Locatelli made it clear that his preference was Juventus, whose financial proposal was significantly lower than Arsenal’s.

Carnevali later explained that the player’s wishes were respected, even at the cost of a higher transfer fee, confirming that the agreement with Arsenal had effectively been completed.

Locatelli reflects on rejecting Arsenal move

Rather than regretting the decision, Locatelli has enjoyed a highly successful spell in Turin. Since arriving in 2021, he has become a central figure in Juventus’ midfield, surpassing 200 appearances for the club.

When asked in 2024 whether he ever looked back on the Arsenal opportunity with regret, Locatelli dismissed the notion, expressing admiration for the way the Gunners play and respect for Arteta’s coaching. With Arsenal now boasting a formidable midfield led by Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, both sides appear to have found the right outcome from what once seemed a missed connection.