Arsenal dealt major blow as Juventus 'confident' in Locatelli pursuit

One of the top performers for Italy in their title-winning Euro 2020 campaign, the midfielder is being chased by two of Europe’s elites.

Juventus are “confident” in their pursuit of Manuel Locatelli after submitting a “good offer” for the player to Sassuolo, informs the club’s vice president Pavel Nedved.

Nedved’s statement serves as a source of immense disappointment for Arsenal, who are also said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old.

Furthermore, to add to Arsenal’s adversity, the Sassuolo star is said to have his heart set on a move to Turin.

The Gunners, after bolstering their defense by adding the highly-rated Ben White to their ranks, are understood to be in the market for a new midfielder, and Locatelli is supposedly near the top of Mikel Arteta’s shortlist.

However, considering the recent developments, Arteta will have to explore his other options.

“We spoke to Sassuolo and we made our offer, which we believe is appropriate for the current climate, with the way finances and the transfer market have been affected by Covid,” Nedved disclosed on Sport Mediaset.

“We are convinced this is a good offer and it is the right one. We are always confident, naturally, in negotiations there are things that must be clarified and resolved.

“When you want a player and that player wants you, it’s clear.”