Manuel Locatelli: Arsenal make ‘concrete offer’ for Italy midfielder
Locatelli has impressed for Italy during Euro 2020
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal have made a “concrete offer” for midfielder Manuel Locatelli, according to Sassuolo’s sporting director.
Locatelli is currently with Italy at Euro 2020, helping the Azzurri reach the quarter-finals where they will face Belgium on Friday.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at AC Milan before joining Sassuolo, initially on loan ahead of a permanent move.
Sassuolo sporting director Giovanni Carnevali confirmed the Gunners were frontrunners to complete a summer move for Locatelli, who has also been attracting interest in Serie A.
“Juventus are the only Italian club we talked to about Locatelli. We met last week with (Juventus sporting director Federico) Cherubini,” Carnevali said to Sky Italia.
“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.”
Carnevali added: “It’s true that other clubs from abroad are interested, Arsenal are one of these and they are ahead of everyone else because they have made us an important proposal.
“Indeed up to now they are the only club which has presented a concrete offer.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to rebuild the squad following last season’s eighth place in the Premier League, which saw them miss out on European football.
A reported £40million offer for Brighton defender Ben White has been turned down.
The Gunners have also been linked with Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares and Anderlecht’s Sambi Lokonga.