What Arsenal have done to try and push ahead of Juventus in £34m transfer race


Manuel Locatelli was one of the standout performers at the recently concluded Euro 2020 tournament.

The 23-year-old midfielder played five games for eventual Euros winners Italy, scoring two goals in the process.

Locatelli opened the Azzurri’s account in their second clash with Switzerland, scoring his country’s first two goals in a convincing 3-0 win to put them in command in their group.

The form that the Sassuolo star showed for Roberto Mancini’s men means a lot of clubs are sniffing around him this summer.

These clubs include the Gunners and Juventus, who are both said to be very interested in the midfielder in this window.


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Now, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Arsenal have submitted the “best financial offer” for Locatelli, but it is not all good news.



Arsenal have apparently submitted the 'best financial offer' for Manuel Locatelli
Arsenal have apparently submitted the ‘best financial offer’ for Manuel Locatelli

The reporter also claims that Locatelli’s preferred destination is a move to Juventus, rather than a switch to north London.

But, as it stands, it seems as if Arsenal have placed the most attractive offer to Sassuolo thus far – which back up claims made by the club’s sporting director Giovanni Carnevali earlier in the month.

“Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli,” Carnevali told Sky Italia. “We met last week with (Juventus sporting director Federico) Cherubini.

“There is interest from their side, we haven’t explored all the terms and evaluations, but we have an excellent relationship with Juventus so we will continue these talks.

“It’s true that other clubs from abroad are interested, Arsenal are one of these and they are ahead of everyone else because they tabled the only concrete offer we have received so far.”

According to reports from Italy, Sassuolo value Locatelli at around €40million (£34m).

Arsenal are set for a massive squad overhaul this summer, football.london understands, with Mikel Arteta looking to add some star quality to his underperforming squad.





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