Arsenal sources have denied making an official bid for Manuel Locatelli, but they have held talks and a move is still on the table.

Manuel Locatelli of Italy celebrate after score the goal during the Euro2020 football match between Italy vs Switzerland at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, June 16, 2021. Copyright: Imago-Images/Emmefoto
Manuel Locatelli of Italy celebrate after scoring the goal during the Euro2020 football match between Italy vs Switzerland at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, June 16, 2021. Copyright: Imago-Images/Emmefoto

Earlier this week, Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali claimed Arsenal had made an ‘important proposal’ for Manuel Locatelli, amid strong interest from Juventus.

Goal report that Arsenal sources are denying making a bid, at least not an official one. There have been talks been the two clubs and a move hasn’t been ruled out, but Juventus remain in the lead for the player right now.

Locatelli himself has already agreed personal terms with Juventus, and it’s only the lack of agreement between Sassuolo and Juventus preventing a transfer. As a result, there’s a sense Sassuolo are using Arsenal to try and push Juventus to up their bid.

At the same time, there’s clearly genuine interest in Locatelli from Arsenal. This is nothing new, as The Athletic reported as much earlier this week, and Sky Sports Italia confirmed Arsenal were watching him before the Euros even began.

Goal report that with Albert Sambi Lokonga on the way in, Arsenal are also looking for a more experienced option in midfield. Locatelli is one of the possibilities, Ruben Neves is another. For the time being, it seems neither case is particularly advanced.