Fabrizio Romano is playing down reports suggesting that Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli could move to the Premier League with West Ham United in a £35 million switch.
As Arsenal discovered back two years ago – Manuel Locatelli a man in high demand after helping Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final – the midfielder’s lifelong adoration for all things Bianconeri makes signing him quite the challenge.
Locatelli, as confirmed by his brother, rebuffed Arsenal’s advances when the chance to pull on the black-and-white shirt of his boyhood club presented itself.
West Ham United eye Manuel Locatelli
And while the 25-year-old’s Juve career might not have progressed as he’d dreamed of – banned from European competition while being deducted 10 points for ‘false accounting’ last season – it would take something rather special to convince Locatelli to turn his back on his beloved Old Lady.
West Ham United, according to Turin-based publication TuttoJuve, are planning to test Juventus – and Locatelli’s – resolve with a £35 million January bid.
As far as Romano is concerned, however, the Hammers are barking up the wrong tree.
“Although there have been rumours that West Ham are willing to pay £35 million for Manuel Locatelli, I’ve reported that he’s close to reaching an agreement over a new deal at Juventus,” Romano tells Caught Offside.
“At the moment, I’m not aware of any different movement. Maybe in the summer but not now.”
Fabrizio Romano says deal unlikely
David Moyes’ side appear keen to bring in another midfielder in the New Year. One capable of slotting in alongside Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse in a new-look engine room.
Sao Paulo’s Pablo Maia is both more affordable and more attainable than Locatelli, Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola reporting that £13 million could be enough to secure the services of a player the Hammers also tried to sign at the start of the calendar year.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
