Speaking on the Don Robbie YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and Manuel Locatelli, claiming that the Gunners have a smart strategy when it comes to signing the Italian.
The Gunners aren’t winning the race to sign Locatelli, with Juventus reportedly in pole position in this transfer race, but the London club are waiting in the wings.
Romano has outlined Arsenal’s strategy, claiming that they’re waiting to pounce if Juventus can’t get the deal over the line.
What’s been said?
Romano shared an update on Locatelli and Arsenal.
“I can confirm that Arsenal want Locatelli, they consider him a perfect player for Arsenal and the Premier League. But at the moment Arsenal have a smart strategy with Locatelli, the only one they can have in this situation,” Romano said.
“So they are waiting to see what happens with Juventus, because the player’s priority is Juventus. Locatelli wants to join Juventus, but he isn’t refusing Arsenal, he has the dream of playing Champions League football and joining Juventus because he is Italian.
“So Juventus need to find an agreement with Sassuolo. Next week they will meet again to find a solution, maybe including players in the negotiation, and Locatelli would say yes to Juventus and join Juventus.
“But, if they can’t find an agreement, Sassuolo would be open to accepting bids from Arsenal, it will be up to the player. So keep an eye on Arsenal, because they are just waiting they are respecting the player, but after this meeting with Juventus we will have some answers about Locatelli’s situation, Arsenal are still there and are still very interested.”
Need a plan B
This may be a smart strategy, but if it doesn’t come off, Arsenal need a plan B.
The Gunners mustn’t put all of their eggs in the Locatelli basket, because they may not win the race for his signature.
Juventus are no mugs in the transfer market, and while the Gunners are hoping that they fumble this deal, the reality is that they’re unlikely to do so.
It’s a situation to keep an eye on, but Arsenal fans shouldn’t be holding their breaths here.
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