Manuel Locatelli edging closer to exit as Sassuolo line up their replacement

Locatelli in demand

Manuel Locatelli has been the subject of much transfer speculation already this summer.

The 23-year-old had an impressive Euro 2020 campaign, contributing two goals from central midfield on the Azzurri’s route to lifting the trophy, although he was only a substitute in the knockout rounds.

Locatelli does a goal. Italy are good 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/COOI1Gtq9V

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 16, 2021

His impressive outings, on top of a brilliant season for domestic side Sassuolo, have allegedly brought Juventus and Arsenal to the table as they fight for his signature.

Arsenal have bid 40m€ for Italy European champion Locatelli

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 14, 2021

Whether or not reports that Arsenal have made a bid for Locatelli are true, there is certainly concrete interest in the Italian midfielder, as Fabrizio Romano relates.

Fabrizio Romano on Locatelli: “Arsenal 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 CL football and joining Juventus because he is Italian.”

— Nihadh Gooner (@nihadh09) July 9, 2021

Despite the Gunners’ interest, however, the player’s preference appears to be to remain in Italy and move to Juventus, something that could prove a blow to Arsenal’s pursuit of his signature.

Sassuolo line up replacement

The saga may be close to coming to a head, however. According to Italian journalist Di Marzio, Sassuolo have enquired after Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.

Sassuolo have asked Liverpool for Marko Grujic as potential new signing to replace Locatelli who’s leaving the club this summer. 🔴 @DiMarzio #LFC #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2021

The liverpool central midfielder would, if signed, be a like-for-like replacement for wantaway Locatelli, and would allow any deal to progress much more smoothly.

Grujic’s last move was a spell with FC Porto in the Portuguese league, where he made 23 appearances. However, just nine of these were in the starting eleven, which did little for his valuation. Another loan, then, may well suit all parties.

Meanwhile, the deal could prove a boost for both Arsenal and Juventus in their pursuit of midfield reinforcement.

Read more:

Arsenal make official bid for Manuel Locatelli

3 transfers which could happen after Euro 2020

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