£30m player offers blunt response when asked if he regrets rejecting Arsenal and Mikel Arteta

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Mikel Arteta has spent years building his ideal midfield at Arsenal, but it could have looked very different had he signed one key target.

Arteta has signed several midfielders who range in quality and experience, from a club-record signing in Declan Rice, to a shrewd acquisition of experienced veteran Jorginho.

Arsenal were interested in a number of midfielders in recent years who ended up moving elsewhere, including Moises Caicedo, after Brighton rejected a huge bid from Arteta before selling him to Chelsea six months later.

However, Arteta did face frustration with some stars who rejected his proposal in favour of joining other clubs, and one has now opened up on his failed proposed move to Arsenal.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Manuel Locatelli opens up on failed move to Arsenal

In the summer of 2021, Arteta was keen on signing Sassuolo and Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who won the European Championships alongside Jorginho.

However, despite talks with Arsenal, Locatelli moved to Juventus for around £30m, whilst Arsenal signed Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Speaking in an interview with TuttoSport, Locatelli claimed that whilst he has no regrets over his decision, he does admire Arteta and Arsenal.

“No,” Locatelli replied when asked if he regrets not joining Arsenal in 2021.

“But I love watching football, and I like watching their games and I respect their coach, Arteta.” 

What would have happened if Arsenal signed Manuel Locatelli in 2021?

Had Arsenal actually signed Locatelli in 2021, there would have been a serious domino effect which would have drastically changed how the squad looks now.

If Locatelli had rejected Juventus for Arsenal, former target Dusan Vlahovic may have done the same a few months later, and Arsenal could have lined up with both players, who are still teammates in Turin.

With Locatelli in the squad, Granit Xhaka may have departed earlier, and Jorginho may have never joined. If Locatelli had performed well, Rice may have never been targeted.

Whilst the Italian could have helped Arsenal finish in the top four in 2021-22, he would not get into the Arsenal side right now, particularly when summer signing Mikel Merino returns from injury.

Locatelli’s inconsistent form at Juventus, as well as the impacts made by Rice and Jorginho, perhaps show that Arsenal ended up benefitting in the long run from his decision to reject Arteta in 2021.