According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli isn’t listening to Arsenal’s interest because he has set his heart on joining Juventus.
The 23-year-old impressed in the early stages of Euro 2020, scoring a brace against Switzerland, but has now lost his place in the Italy side.
That hasn’t stopped interest in his signature though. Arsenal are very keen, but it looks like Juventus will win the race.
Arsenal’s interest in Locatelli
Gazzetta Dello Sport reported in June that Arsenal were ready to bid for Locatelli, and Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali claimed that Arsenal were leading the race.
However, it’s now stated that Locatelli isn’t paying attention to Arsenal. The report goes as far to say that Arsenal can’t even get hold of Locatelli to discuss a move anymore, seemingly indicating that he’s not interested.
Locatelli seemingly has tunnel vision; he wants Juventus and Juventus only. A €40million (£34million) deal with the Turin giants is expected to go through this week.
A frustrating miss for Arsenal
Fans are often critical of Edu, but he does seem to have done everything right here.
He identified a quality midfielder, one compared to Toni Kroos by Walter De Vecchi. Arsenal attempted to move to the front of the queue, but Locatelli clearly only wants one club.
It’s frustrating that Locatelli won’t even talk to Arsenal, but such is life.
It’s onto the next one for Arsenal, with Locatelli surely heading to Juventus now. Ruben Neves could come back into the picture, whilst Albert Sambi Lokonga is heading in from Anderlecht.
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