Romano says Arsenal chief Edu has done something that Manuel Locatelli is ‘appreciating’

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It is no secret at this point that Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli is Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s number one target this summer.

Edu is on the lookout for a new central midfielder in this window with Granit Xhaka closing in on an exit. The Swiss international is reportedly set to join AS Roma in the coming days and Arsenal will need to bring in a top-quality player to replace him.

The likes of Ruben Neves, Yves Bissouma and Eduardo Camavinga have all been linked, but it has been widely reported that Locatelli is the man Arteta wants alongside Thomas Partey in the middle of our park next season.

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali revealed a few weeks ago that Arsenal have tabled a ‘concrete offer’ for Locatelli. (Read here) Reports later claimed that the Gunners’ bid is a much better one from Juventus, and that offered fans some hope.

However, Locatelli reportedly has his heart set on a move to Juventus. Fabrizio Romano has revealed today that Edu has told the Italian that Arsenal respect his desire to join the Turin club, but if that move collapses, we’re ready to bring him to the Emirates.

Romano claims that Locatelli has really appreciated that attitude from Arsenal, but it’s still Juve in the driving seat.

Locatelli is ‘appreciating how Arsenal are acting in this deal’

Romano said on the Don Robbie YouTube show: “Talking about him, I see rumours of an Arsenal bid, and this is what the Sassuolo CEO said some days ago, so we know that Arsenal are really serious with Locatelli, so their strategy is a waiting strategy.

“They know the priority of the player is to join Juventus, Locatelli wants to go to Juventus, and until Juventus are in negotiations with Sassuolo, he will push to join Juventus. If they agree, Locatelli will be happy to join Juventus, he is a Juventus fan since he was a baby and he wants to play in the Champions League.

Read more: Journalist says 21-goal star ‘always crops up’ when Edu and Arteta are discussing Arsenal transfers

“If this agreement is not completed, keep an eye on Arsenal. They are ready, they are respecting the player, and also the player is appreciating how Arsenal are acting in this deal, saying that they respect his decision to go to Juventus as a priority, but if that deal does not go through with Sassuolo, they will be ready to jump in.”

It’s good to know that Locatelli is appreciative of Edu’s behaviour. Hopefully, that opens the door for a potential transfer in the coming days.