Sassuolo chief confirms Arsenal’s offer for Locatelli, but Juventus leading the race

Sassuolo chief Giovanni Carnevali confirms Arsenal's offer for Manuel Locatelli, but Juventus are leading the race.

Manuel Locatelli of Sassuolo celebrating
Manuel Locatelli of Sassuolo celebrating IMAGO / LaPresse

Locatelli turns out to be a prime target for Juventus.

Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli is one of the sought-after players in Europe at the moment with increasing suitors.

The Italian midfielder has been impressive in Serie A over the last two seasons. He was equally important to the Italian national team in the European Championship, where Robert Mancini’s men successfully lifted the title.

Juventus remain keen on the 23-year-old after it has been reported recently the Old Lady are set for transfer talks with an improved offer in the coming days.

There has been an alleged interest from Arsenal for Locatelli, and now Sassuolo chief Giovanni Carnevali has confirmed that the rumours are true.

He also added that Juve are in pole position to sign Locatelli while confirming interest from an anonymous Premier League club.

Carnevali said: “Tomorrow, we’ll have direct contact with Juventus for Locatelli. He wants to join Juve.

 “We’d be happy to sell Manuel (Locatelli) to Juve… but they need to pay the right fee.

“Arsenal made a bid to sign him, and also, a new English club is now in the race.”

The Gunners have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Locatelli as the Old Lady are likely to sign him this summer.

It could be due to the North Londoners’ transition phase and their absence in the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Juve manager Max Allegri wants to make Locatelli a key component in the midfield from next season.

Allegri could deploy Locatelli as a box to box midfielder if Serie A giants manage to sign Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona as the Bosnian international could reprise his deep-lying playmaker role.