‘Arsenal have a smart strategy with Manuel Locatelli’

Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli remains on Arsenal’s radar, and Fabrizio Romano has backed the Gunners for their smart transfer strategy.

Arsenal have adopted a ‘smart strategy’ in the transfer race for Manuel Locatelli, says Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old has become a top target for the Gunners and Juventus this summer following a decent season for Sassuolo. He has since impressed in Euro 2020 in a bit-part role for finalists Italy. The obvious highlight so far was his brace in the 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stages.

A move to Juventus is understood to be Locatelli’s preference. The Bianconeri are reportedly locked in talks with Sassuolo, but they’ve yet to strike a deal. And if negotiations fail, Arsenal will be ready to bounce.

According to Romano, Mikel Arteta’s side are simply playing the waiting game. They’re aware of the appeal that a move to Juventus holds for Locatelli but remain interested. And as the player hasn’t rejected them, nothing is off the table just yet.

“I can confirm that Arsenal want Locatelli, they consider him a perfect player for Arsenal and the Premier League,” Italian journalist Romano told the Don Robbie Podcast.

“But at the moment Arsenal have a smart strategy with Locatelli, the only one they can have in this situation.

“So they are waiting to see what happens with Juventus because the player’s priority is Juventus. Locatelli wants to join Juventus, but he isn’t refusing Arsenal, he has the dream of playing Champions League football and joining Juventus because he is Italian.

“But, if they can’t find an agreement, Sassuolo would be open to accepting bids from Arsenal, it will be up to the player.

“So keep an eye on Arsenal, because they are just waiting they are respecting the player, but after this meeting with Juventus we will have some answers about Locatelli’s situation, Arsenal are still there and are still very interested.”