Arsenal suffer Locatelli transfer blow despite ‘attractive offer’ to Sassuolo

Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their attempts to sign Manuel Locatelli this summer from Sassuolo.

It comes despite a hefty bid coming in for the Italy international, who has shot to fame after the Euro 2020 tournament.

A number of brilliant performances saw the 23-year-old courted by a number of teams.

Sassuolo have always expected a departure this summer but have been able to ramp up their price due to the interest in his services with Arsenal a known admirer.

And a huge bid was made for the midfielder as Mikel Arteta continues to splash the cash, which includes deals for Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sangi Lokonga.

However, the Gunners look set to be disappointed with Locatelli preferring a move to Juventus, according to the Guardian.

According to the report, Locatelli wants to play in the Champions League next season – something Arsenal cannot offer after finishing eighth in the Premier League.

In fact, the Emirates outfit have not played in the competition for four years, with next season their first campaign out of Europe in 25 years.

Juventus had a tough campaign with Andrea Pirlo in charge that saw them relinquish their Serie A title to Inter Milan.

But even in their worst season for over 10 years, they still clinched qualification to the Champions League.

And with Massimiliano Allegri back in charge, who led the Old Lady to four consecutive Scudettos, there is reason to be optimistic in Turin.

The Italian boss also made Locatelli a top target as he looks to bring in his own transfers while Arsenal had an attractive offer on the table for Sassuolo.

The Gunners had met their valuation, something that Juve are yet to do, but the former AC Milan star is prepared to wait and see if the Italian giants come back with a new bid.

It will come as a hefty blow to Arteta, who wanted a midfielder through the door with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira set to join Matteo Guendouzi out the exit door.

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