Arsenal have indeed made an offer to sign Manuel Locatelli, according to the agent of a player reportedly involved in a Juventus swap deal.

The situation as things stand with Manuel Locatelli is that Arsenal are essentially waiting to see how negotiations between Juventus and Sassuolo pan out. Locatelli wants to join the Serie A side, so Arsenal have to hope that transfer falls through.

According to reports, the Gunners have offered €40m to Sassuolo for Locatelli, which would be an acceptable price for them to sell at. But there’s been some suspicion the bid was invented by the selling club to put pressure on Juventus.

Another report in the last few days suggest Juventus had bid £25m plus Nicolo Fagioli, in a part-swap deal. Fagioli’s agent Andrea D’Amico denies that claim, but confirms that Arsenal have made an offer.

“Juventus would like to sign Locatelli and Arsenal have already offered €40m,” D’Amico told Sky Sport Italia (via Standard). “But I can assure you that, as of today, Fagioli has not been included in the deal.”

Di Marzio reported last week that Juventus had met with Sassuolo, offering a two-year loan with an obligation to buy based on certain conditions set at €30m, with some bonuses included on top of that. Sassuolo want €40m and a sale, not a loan.

Fabrizio Romano claims Locatelli isn’t refusing Arsenal, or turning down the opportunity to sign for them, he’s just giving Juventus his priority. Arsenal are interested and waiting to see what happens.