Arsenal offered boost in Locatelli pursuit as Sassuolo reject Juve's offer

The Italy international has been drawing attention from Europe’s elites in the wake of his eye-catching displays at Euro 2020.

Arsenal have been offered a huge boost in the pursuit of Manuel Locatelli as Sassuolo have reportedly rejected Juventus’ advances for their transfer target.

Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder, having bid farewell to Matteo Guendouzi and with Granit Xhaka understood to be on the verge of moving away.

Locatelli, who started twice for Italy in their Euro 2020 campaign while made three more appearances off the bench, is a subject of interest for the north London side.

The Gunners are not the only one targeting him, though, as interest in the midfielder has also been reported from, among other clubs, Juventus.

It looked like Juventus were at the front of the queue up until now in the race for Locatelli but it appears the scales are slowly tipping in Arsenal’s favor.

According to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bianconeri put a loan-to-buy offer worth €30 million on Sassuolo’s table for the 23-year-old but it was rejected.

Juventus met with Sassuolo today. Opening bid for Locatelli: loan with obligation to buy for €30m. Sassuolo refused. Negotiations with Juve will continue as they’re Locatelli’s priority. 🇮🇹 #Juve

Sassuolo want €40m as they know Arsenal would be prepared to pay this fee. #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2021

Sassuolo, Romano adds, demand €40 million – a sum they believe Arsenal “would be prepared to pay” – to let go of their prized asset.

Locatelli, who arrived at Sassuolo from AC Milan back in 2018 and has since made 99 appearances for the club, is tied to a contract until June 2023 at the Citta del Tricolore.