Arsenal 'pushing hard to sign' Sassuolo star Locatelli

Juventus are also keen on the midfielder who has played an integral role in Italy’s progress to the quarter-finals at Euro 2020.

Arsenal are “pushing hard” to secure the signature of Manuel Locatelli, says Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali.

Arsenal are understood to have been on the tracks of Locatelli since before he came to prominence at Euro 2020. However, that doesn’t mean they have an edge over his other suitors as they cannot offer him European football.

The 23-year-old is also linked with a move to Juventus, with returning manager Massimiliano Allegri reportedly making him a primary transfer target this summer.

Transfer merry-go-round has officially begun 🎠

– Juve have already agreed personal terms with Locatelli, as per @romeoagresti. ⚪⚫

– Sassuolo pressuring Juve to increase their offer ☝️

– Xhaka linked as Juve alternative, but interest not concrete & he wants to join Roma #AFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 30, 2021

Valued at around €40 million, the midfielder scored four goals and supplied three assists in 34 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo last season while has netted twice for Italy at Euro 2020.

Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia: “Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli. They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid. We will see.

“Also Juventus want Locatelli and we’ve a special relationship with them. We’ve a new meeting scheduled with Juve.

“We are trying to leave the lad calm, so I haven’t spoken to him or his agents yet. We can think about Locatelli’s future, but above all we care about his present and that means Italy doing well at the Euros.”