Arsenal can attract almost any player in the world now, but that wasn’t always the case.
The Gunners have been through a lot under Mikel Arteta. After the highs of winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in his first year, the Spaniard had a couple of difficult campaigns.
During that period, Arsenal tried to sign a few top players, but they weren’t willing to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.
Dusan Vlahovic was one such player, while his Juventus teammate, Manuel Locatelli, was another.
Which player rejecting Arsenal hurt you the most – Dusan Vlahovic, Manuel Locatelli or someone else?
Director reveals Manuel Locatelli was ‘sold’ to Arsenal in 2021
Locatelli was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in 2021.
The Italian was a star at the Euros for the Azzurri, and many Gooners felt that he would be an incredible signing for them.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal felt Locatelli would be the ‘perfect’ signing for them in the Premier League, and talks were held to bring him in.
Edu Gaspar even struck a deal with Sassuolo CEO and sporting director Giovanni Carnevali for the transfer, and Arteta was all set to get his man.
However, Locatelli rejected a move to Arsenal and asked his old club to sell him to Juventus instead, even though their offer was far inferior.
Carnevali told TuttoSport: “I had already sold Locatelli to Arsenal.
“But he preferred Juventus, and we chose to satisfy him, giving up a bit of extra money.”
If you were Andrea Berta and could sign any player in the world right now, who would it be and why?
What Manuel Locatelli said about Arsenal after rejecting them
Most players who snub Arsenal end up regretting their decision, but things have worked out for Locatelli.
The Italian is a key player in Juve’s midfield and has played over 200 games for The Old Lady since joining them in the summer of 2021.
Three years later, in 2024, Locatelli was asked whether he regretted rejecting Arsenal.
The midfielder replied: “No. But I love watching football, and I like watching their games, and I respect their coach, Arteta.
It was a shame that Arsenal couldn’t sign Locatelli in 2021, but they are better off now with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in their midfield.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
