Arsenal are most likely to lose the battle for Locatelli. Italy have been riding on Locatelli’s phenomenal performances at the Euros to reach the semis. The midfielder has stomped on every blade of grass in every game. He runs the defense and the attack with utmost fluidity sparing no chance.
The Euro have just been a continuation of Locatelli’s amazing season. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he scored 4 and created 2 others as Sassuolo finished 8th. At the Euros, he already has 2 goals after scoring a brace against Switzerland. His work rate caught many eyes including that of Juventus.
The Old Lady did not have a particularly good season. They lost the Serie A title for the first time in 10 years. The midfield came under heavy scrutiny for the lack of balance between attack and defense. Even manager Andrea Pirlo, one of the best midfielders of all time, struggled to get his midfield to move in the right direction.
Arsenal wanted Locatelli
Arsenal too had a pretty bad season. Let’s be honest, it was a terrible season. A team that once bossed over every Premier League team finished 8th. Despite signing Thomas Partey and getting Martin Odegaard on loan, the Gunners could not find a way through. They did not qualify for Europe and are thus focused on rebuilding a strong team.
Locatelli would have been a perfect signing. Odegaard will not be returning next season and attempts to get Donny Van de Beek have failed. Sassuolo had announced that they received a bid from Arsenal without stating anything more. However, Locatelli wants to play in the Champions League next season and has subtly rejected the offer.
What does the future behold?
Like most deals this summer, Juventus will be signing Locatelli after the Euros.
Locatelli has been on the bench ever since Marco Veratti returned from injury. Italy faces Spain next and we can expect Locatelli in the line-up in a battle of possession.
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