Arsenal make Manuel Locatelli transfer move as Juventus stall

The whole Granit Xhaka saga was meant to play out more like a short story. Having told Arsenal of his intention to leave, Roma making their feelings known and a mutual desire to wrap the deal up before the Euros kicked off, it’s instead still being played out.

It’s become very tiring. Arsenal are in the midst of trying to source their own players to kick-start something vaguely relating to a revolution and shipping players out to supplement the transfer budget is vital to that.

While nobody expects Xhaka to stay in north London, Roma sticking to their derisory valuation with Arsenal standing firm is dragging this out longer than desired. Especially since it gives him more time to put in magnificent performances for Switzerland that prove he’s worth far more than what he will eventually be sold for.

One of the names most supporters would like to replace him with is Manuel Locatelli, a divine passer of the ball who has raised his own value with some excellent displays for Italy at the European Championships.

Arsenal make Manuel Locatelli transfer move as Juventus stall on Sassuolo’s €40m asking price this summer window

Arsenal are interested in signing him having made inquiries, and links have been around for most of the window, but it’s widely accepted that Juventus is his calling.

Fans pining for his signature were offered a lifeline by Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), however, those stating that the situation is as it was last week with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund informing the club they are ready to pay Sassuolo’s €40m (cash upfront) asking price. Juventus, meanwhile won’t pay over €30m are are trying to involve one of their youngsters as makeweight to get the deal over the line.

Locatelli, an inarguable upgrade on Xhaka, would be most welcome in north London. There are a lot of midfielders across Europe who would. He’s up at the top of that list if a near like-for-like is desired.

However, the reports have a strong whiff of negotiation tactics from Sassuolo; an unpleasant odour of trying force Juventus into coughing up the money they want to part with their hugely talented star.

Similar to the reports of Xhaka being eyed by Juventus having a tinge of Arsenal forcing Roma’s hand, it looks like a deal Arteta won’t succeed in landing should they firm up their interest.

Italian journalists Gianluca Di Marzio and Francesco Cossati expect the 23-year-old to be wearing black and white next season, and even if a Juventus move does fall through, the likelihood of European football-less Arsenal jumping ahead of the queue seems like a stretch, even if they do have the money to invest ahead of next season’s Premier League.

A wonderful player that Arsenal are still strongly linked with, but one that would be a huge surprise to see get over the line, as much as it would be tremendous.