Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim that Juventus star Manuel Locatelli is set to join the club for £30m on a permanent basis and sign a deal until June 2027 – despite reports claiming Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are all interested.
Locatelli, 24, joined Juventus on a two-year loan deal from Sassuolo – with an obligation to make the move permanent. It came after starring in Euro 2020. The loan deal ends at the end of the season. Juventus have made up their minds.
Having impressed in his 60 appearances for Juventus since his move to the Old Lady, Juve have made a decision. There was a feeling that he could be sold immediately after the purchase. But it now appears Juve will keep him long-term.
That is reflected in handing Locatelli a contract until June 2027, a pay rise and an agreement is expected in the spring. It comes after CMW said Tottenham were considering a move to sign Locatelli – a move to keep Antonio Conte happy.
Meanwhile, Arsenal – who were rejected by Locatelli to join Juventus (CM) – and Chelsea are also said to have show interest. Another report from CMW said Juve were to sell Locatelli to buy Jorginho, with Arsenal and Chelsea keen.
Locatelli set to join Juventus despite Arsenal and Tottenham interest
Locatelli’s form has been up and down. But if you are in Juventus’ shoes, you have to tie him down for two reasons. The first, is that he is only 24 and a midfielder with enormous potential. He is still young in terms of his career at Juve.
He has the chance to go on and become a world-beater. Secondly, if Juve do decide to cash in, strengthening their position with Locatelli as an asset is key. Handing him a long-term deal means Juve have all the power over his future.
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