Italian outlet CMW claim that Arsenal might be bracing themselves for a £44million double move from Juventus for duo Gabriel and Albert Sambi Lokonga in the coming transfer windows – but a deal will not involve Manuel Locatelli.
Juventus are struggling this season under Max Allegri. The Italian, in his second spell as manager, is struggling to get the best out of The Old Lady. They sit in a lowly seventh place, winning just three of their eight Serie A games.
They need a new spark, perhaps, some reinforcements in January. They are supposedly looking to raid Arsenal for two players, one in central defence and one in the middle of the park. In the form of Gabriel and Lokonga.
Gabriel of course, is a mainstay in the Arsenal side. He is first choice alongside William Saliba at centre-back. Lokonga, though, is struggling to break into the team – playing in the Europa League and getting the odd sub game.
The report claims that Juventus would like to sign both Arsenal players in either the January window, or the summer. However, any deal for either player would not include Manuel Locatelli – who is a target for the Gunners.
Arsenal bracing themselves for double Juventus move
Arsenal cannot lose Gabriel and even if they were going to, it should be for a fee of £44million alone. Not for the Brazilian and Lokonga. The midfielder, is at the other end of the scale. If Arsenal get a decent offer, he could go.
The Gunners do lack midfielders. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are combining well with Martin Odegaard. But the drop off to the other Arsenal midfielders is noticeable. Fabio Vieira is a good replacement for Odegaard.
But Mo Elneny and Lokonga are some way off Xhaka and Partey. Lokonga cost in the region of £20million. If they get anything in the region of £15million for him, they should seriously consider cashing in on the ex-Anderlecht man.
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