Juventus could now reportedly sell midfielder Manuel Locatelli just one year after the Serie A giants beat Arsenal to the Italian international’s signature.
According to CalcioMercato, the Old Lady are open to selling Locatelli if a suitable offer comes in for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Massimiliano Allegri not sold just yet on the former Sassuolo star’s long-term influence in the Juventus squad.
As per the report, Arsenal still hold some interest in Locatelli after missing out on the midfielder last summer, with the Italian viewed as a replacement for Granit Xhaka, who as reported by the Roma Press, was close to signing for AS Roma. However, a deal broke down as the transfer window progressed.
With Xhaka now arguably Arsenal’s most important player and one of the best midfielder’s in the Premier League, replacing the Swiss international feels extremely unlikely given the 30-year-old’s form this season, yet the Gunners could be wise to still make a move for Locatelli if Juventus are looking to sell.
Indeed, with Juventus signing the midfielder for a £30m last summer according to Sky Sports News, Locatelli would be quite an expensive transfer for Arsenal should Mikel Arteta look to make another move for the Italian. However, the long-term gain could be quite spectacular for the north London side.
Whilst Xhaka won’t be replaced anytime soon at Arsenal, signing a long-term replacement now would be a smart move from Arteta and Edu Gaspar, and Locatelli fits the bill perfectly for what the Gunners’ manager wants from a left-sided central midfielder.
Juventus’ openness to sell Locatelli is a lifeline for Arsenal
As per the report, Manchester United had a proposal rejected for Locatelli by Juventus in the summer, yet with the Italian giants now willing to sell the midfielder at the right price, Arsenal have been handed a gift in their pursuit to sign a central midfielder who could one day replace Xhaka.
Locatelli was seemingly Arsenal’s top target to fill in for the Swiss international had he left last year, and with Juventus now seemingly giving up on the Italian, the Gunners could swoop in with an offer in 2023 to bring the midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.
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