Arsenal are the frontrunners in the race to sign Manuel Locatelli, having made a “concrete bid” for the highly rated midfielder this summer.

Locatelli, who is currently representing Italy in the European Championships, was expected to join Serie A giants Juventus this summer, but Arsenal have sensationally hijacked that deal.

The 23-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was a revelation for the Italian club last season, and their sporting director, Giovanni Carnevali, has confirmed that Arsenal are the leading contender to sign him.

“The only Italian club we spoke to about Locatelli was Juventus,” Carnevali told Sky Sports in Italy.

“We had a meeting with [Juventus sporting director Federico] Cherubini just a few days ago.

“Their side appears interested in further negotiations, but we have not yet explored all of the terms and evaluations. However, we maintain a positive relationship with Juventus, and we will therefore remain in talks.

While other clubs from overseas have expressed interest, it is the only concrete offer we have received so far that came from Arsenal, and because of this, they are currently ahead of everyone else.

After replacing the injured Marco Verratti, Locatelli has played an important role in Italy’s progress to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, scoring two goals.

Last season, Juventus came close to signing the young prospect, who was valued at £34 million by Sassuolo.

Only time will tell where Locatelli will play football next season, particularly in light of Arsenal’s failure to qualify for Europe.

Source: https://soccerways.xyz/arsenal-on-the-lookout-for-italy-star-midfielder-manuel-locatelli/