Italian site CMW claim Arsenal and Brighton want to sign Juventus ace Manuel Locatelli ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners have tried to sign him in the past, while he worked under new Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Locatelli, 24, has been excellent for Juventus ever since the Old Lady signed him from Sassuolo last summer. It comes after a wonderful campaign with Italy at Euro 2020. Locatelli first caught the eye in his 99 appearances for Sassuolo.
Indeed, it was where Locatelli worked under new Brighton gaffer De Zerbi. Coming into the side under De Zerbi, he established himself as an Italy regular – with 24 caps under his belt. He has since clocked up 49 Juventus appearances.
Arsenal, meanwhile, made a £34million offer for Locatelli last summer – only to join the Old Lady for a smaller fee of £31m. Despite only being at Juve for a year, Arsenal are now back in the mix for Locatelli – as are De Zerbi’s Brighton.
Arsenal and Brighton want Juventus midfielder Locatelli ahead of January
The Gunners do need a body in midfield. Fabio Vieira came into the side against Brentford and impressed, scoring a lovely goal from 24 yards. Thomas Partey is very injury prone, but Granit Xhaka is showing an improved level of form.
But with Arsenal in the Europa League, Arsenal need a player like Locatelli. A player that can have an impact in both boxes. Brighton would be a good move for Locatelli, but ultimately, they are beneath him. He is a European player.
The lure of working for De Zerbi, and getting Brighton into Europe could be tempting. But the Seagulls are not yet at the level required to sign Locatelli. Arsenal are, and they can afford him. A move for Locatelli in January could happen.
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