Report: Euro 2020 star does not want Arsenal move; he’s not even answering Arteta’s calls

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Arsenal are on the market looking for a new central midfielder this summer, and it looks like Sassuolo and Italy star Manuel Locatelli is our number one target.

The Italian was absolutely brilliant for the Neroverdi in Serie A last season. He has carried the same form to Euro 2020 as well and was the best player on the pitch against Switzerland in the group stage, where he scored a spectacular brace.

That sort of quality has made Locatelli a wanted man this summer. Arsenal have been heavily linked over the last few weeks and Sassuolo CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, even confirmed that the Gunners have tabled a ‘concrete offer’ for him. (Read here)

That raised the excitement among Arsenal fans, who would love to see Locatelli at the Emirates next season. However, if a latest report is to be believed, the Italian has no interest in joining the Gunners this summer.

Manuel Locatelli does not want to join Arsenal

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport have revealed today that Locatelli only wants to join Juventus this summer. The Old Lady, who were struggling to meet Sassuolo’s demands, have now agreed to pay them what they want, and it is looking likely that he will join them after the Euros.

Locatelli is so desperate to join Juve that he isn’t even willing to talk to Arsenal. The report claims that Gunners managers – Edu and Mikel Arteta – have been trying to contact the midfielder for a few days now, but they’ve both failed to reach him.

That should tell you everything you need to know about the Italian’s wishes ahead of the new season.

Arsenal still have a small chance

The report claims that Arsenal and Juventus have both agreed to match Sassuolo’s £34 million asking price. However, the Gunners’ offer is a lot more appealing at the moment.

It is claimed that Arsenal have agreed to pay the whole amount over the period of next season, while Juventus’ offer is spread over multiple instalments over the next few years.

Read more: After Nelson and Nketiah, Arsenal prepare contract offer for player with ‘big capacity’

That could give Arsenal an edge over the Italian giants in the race to sign Locatelli this summer. However, if the player only wants Juventus and isn’t even prepared to talk to another club, it’s probably best to leave him alone and look elsewhere.