Arsenal have given up on signing Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli as they now want to focus on Lyon’s Houssen Aouar, according to Tuttosport.
The Gunners may have Albert Sambi Lokonga on his way to North London, but another midfielder remains high on Edu’s transfer wish list.
Sassuolo ace Locatelli has shown his quality at Euro 2020, and club CEO Giovanni Carnevali claimed last week that Arsenal were ahead of Juventus in the race for his signature.
Fabrizio Romano even stated that Arsenal see him as ‘perfect’ for the Premier League.
Gazzetta Dello Sport noted earlier this week that Locatelli won’t even speak to Arsenal though, with his focus solely on joining Juventus – and Arsenal appear to have given up.
Tuttosport claim that Arsenal are now ‘silent’ in the race for Locatelli, and are focusing on other names, with Lyon star Aouar believed to be their priority.
Branded ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola in 2018, Aouar is potentially ready to move on from French football, and Le10 Sport state that Arsenal have already made a bid.
The 23-year-old recorded eight goals and four assists last season and could partner Thomas Partey in midfield, with Arsenal seemingly seeking a playmaker to operate from deep.
Aouar can do that, and with seemingly no chance of signing Locatelli, Edu is moving on to a more realistic target ahead of the new season.
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