JAKARTA - Arsenal carried out activities in the summer transfer market to strengthen their midfield. The return of Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid after a two-season loan spell followed by Matteo Guendouzi's move to Marseille made the Gunners weak.
In addition, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are also expected to leave the Emirates Stadium before the summer transfer window closes. Coach Mikel Arteta must act quickly or risk being left out of several midfield options next season.
One player who has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal is Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli. There have been mixed reports in the media regarding the club's attitude towards the Italy international.
First, Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali claimed last week that the Gunners had made a bid for the 23-year-old who reportedly has a price tag of £34m.
"Arsenal have made an official offer for Locatelli," Carnevali told reporters.
"They tried hard to sign Manuel and this is an important offer... we'll see," Carnevali continued.
However, he continued, Juventus also wanted Locatelli and Sassuolo to have a special relationship with the Old Lady. A new meeting with Juve has also been scheduled.
"We tried to calm the boy (Locatelli) so I haven't spoken to him or his agent. We can think about Locatelli's future, but above all we care about his presence and that means Italy are doing well at the Euros."
However, as reported by Goal, no official offer has been made. And Arsenal, ready to step in if Juventus can't reach Sassuolo's asking price for Locatelli.
However, it seems that the midfielder has no plans to join Arteta's side despite what happened with Juve.
According to Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia, Locatelli has said 'no' to joining Arsenal.
“Juventus will definitely take him. The boy said no to Arsenal," Bargiggia said, as reported by Sport Witness. “The formula is complicated: Juve are doing everything not to bring him under the obligation of redemption, while Sassuolo are pushing in that direction.
“There is talk of a 40 million euro operation. Eventually, it will work: one way or another.”
The Italian national team has qualified for the Euro 2020 final after beating Spain on penalties. Locatelli failed to find the ball into Unai Simon's goal in a high five.
❤️That. Winning. Feeling. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/5RmD0KB86v
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 6, 2021
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