Manuel Locatelli has shared, via Fabrizio Romano, that he will begin to consider his options from Tuesday amid interest from Arsenal and Juventus in the Sassuolo midfielder.
Locatelli claims he is yet to consider leaving Sassuolo, having given Italy his full focus while competing at Euro 2020. The 23-year-old was one of the early stars of Roberto Mancini’s side, but played a lesser role as the Azzurri stormed through to beat England in the final.
His high moment of the tournament on a personal level came against Switzerland in the group stage after scoring twice. Locatelli had only scored once for his nation in his previous 11 caps, but enjoyed a boisterous display in the engine room.
Locatelli’s Euro 2020 helped spark interest from some of Europe’s elite. On top of the £22,000-per-week talent’s strong 2020/21 campaign with four goals and three assists for Sassuolo. And now the tournament is over, he will assess transfers.
“I haven’t really thought about my next club so far,” Locatelli said. “I was focused on the national team. From tomorrow, we will see what happens. I support Juventus? Right now, we are here for the national team, so I support Italy.”
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirmed, via the Express, last week that he was speaking ‘with one club from abroad’. His comments followed his previous claims, via Sky Sports, that Arsenal were ‘ahead of everyone’, having been the only side to make an official offer.
But Sassuolo also hoped interest from Juventus would force Arsenal into a bidding war for Locatelli. Gazzetta dello Sport note Carnevali felt the two clubs fighting for the Euro 2020 winner could see offers reach €60m (£51.5m), having only sought €40m (£34m) in June.
Arsenal to miss out on ‘perfect’ Locatelli to Juventus?
Arsenal have pursued Locatelli this summer as they believe the Sassuolo midfielder is ‘perfect’ for the Premier League, per Romano. His style, mentality and skill being the key traits that stand out for the Gunners, as they work to refresh Mikel Arteta’s engine room.
Locatelli’s chances of leaving Sassuolo will likely now ramp up with the Euro 2020 winner giving thought to his future. But Arsenal risk missing out to Juventus, with the midfielder’s latest comments hinting at prioritising a move to Turin.
Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport last week also noted that talks between Sassuolo and Juventus for Locatelli were imminent. The Bianconeri have improved their €30m (£25.5m) offer to €40m (£34m), and may strike a part-exchange deal including Radu Dragusin.
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