Italian outlet CMW claim Newcastle have thrown their hat into the ring over a shock move to sign Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli – amid reports Arsenal and new Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi are also keen on landing the ace.
Locatelli, 24, joined Juventus on a two-year loan with an obligation to buy from Sassuolo in the summer of 2021. It comes after shining for his country at Euro 2020, guiding the Azzurri to a shootout win over England in the final.
While he has been decent since his move to Juventus, he has perhaps not hit the heights many expected him to. Nevertheless, he remains a crucial part of a struggling Juve side – and first choice for Roberto Mancini’s Italy when fit.
Reports earlier this month from CMW claimed that Arsenal were ready to reignite a move for Locatelli. Meanwhile, Brighton boss De Zerbi is keen on a reunion – having worked with Locatello at Sassuolo. But Newcastle are now keen.
Indeed, Newcastle have joined the race and are said to be preparing a big-cash offer to tempt Juve into a sale. The Toon want a midfielder that can go alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. A fee of £36million will do the job.
Newcastle throw hat into ring for Locatelli: Toon, Arsenal or Brighton?
Clearly, Locatelli has serious chances to come to the Premier League. But what is his best move if he is to swap Italy for England – Arsenal, Newcastle or Brighton? Well, De Zerbi turned him into the player he is today at Sassuolo.
At Brighton, he would be first choice and boost their Seagulls in what could be, a push for European football this season. But Locatelli may feel Brighton are beneath him. A move to Arsenal would again, be a good one for Locatelli.
But he might not start. Arsenal’s midfield of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard is pretty secure. So, a move to Europe-pushing Newcastle might just be perfect for a player like Locatelli. They can certainly afford him.
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