‘Don’t think we’ll get him’: Pundit says ‘really good player’ will reject Arsenal for one reason

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal striker turned pundit Kevin Campbell has delivered his verdict on Mikel Arteta and Edu’s reported interest in Sassuolo and Italy star Manuel Locatelli this summer.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Italian since the start of last month. Reports have even claimed that Locatelli is Arteta’s priority target to replace Granit Xhaka, who is getting closer and closer to leaving the Emirates for AS Roma.

Arsenal need a top-quality midfielder to replace Xhaka and Locatelli is a phenomenal option. However, Campbell believes that the Sassuolo star is likely to reject a move to the Emirates for one key reason.

Campbell: I don’t think Manuel Locatelli will join Arsenal

He told The Highbury Squad on YouTube: “I like Locatelli. I think he is a really, really good player. We might not get him solely because of the logistics of Locatelli being Italian.

“Juventus are obviously a huge club in Italy. They are going to move heaven and earth for him because they are not going to see him go to another club. Arsenal have to test the water. Put a bid in.

“Rumour has it that Arsenal bid for him. So let’s see where it goes. I don’t think we’ll get him, but let’s see where it goes.”

The Insider’s View:

Locatelli would be an amazing signing for Arsenal. He is everything our midfield needs at the moment, but the reality is that Juventus are more likely to get him before the transfer window shuts.

However, the Old Lady aren’t in the best financial situation right now. Reports have claimed that they are struggling to meet Sassuolo’s £34 million asking price. That could open the door for Arsenal, who can easily afford that figure this summer.

Read more: Rating every Arsenal transfer rumour – 30 players linked including £77.5m Euro 2020 star

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has already confirmed that Arsenal have tabled a bid for Locatelli. Juventus are definitely leading the race at the moment, but if they fail to fork out the required fee, Edu should fancy his chances to get this deal over the line.