Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli has signed for Juventus after long hard negotiations over the past few weeks.
The 23-years-old joined the Neroverdi back in 2018 on loan from AC Milan. The deal got permanent in the following summer for around €10 million. The midfielder flourished at the Mapei Stadium under the former manager Roberto De Zerbi. Locatelli enjoyed an astonishing last season and also helped the Italian national side to win the European Championship.
According to the report in Sky Sports, the youngster joined Bianconeri in a two-year loan deal with the obligation to buy for around €35 million. Arsenal tried to sign him by offering the asking price of the Neroverdi. However, the Italian international was never entertained by the Gunners’ offer and only wanted to join the Serie A giants.
After struggling to create chances from midfield last term, Bianconeri’s new boss Massimiliano Allegri identified the 23-years-old as his number one target for the midfield position. And after a long hard negotiation, the Old Lady of Turin’s hierarchy have managed to get this deal over the line for Allegri.
Locatelli could make his debut for Juventus durian the weekend:
Juventus lacked a creative midfielder, following the departure of Miralem Pjanic. Locatelli can be a perfect addition to the midfield disposal of Juventus. The midfielder is mobile, can play defence-splitting passes and also can score long rangers.
The Bianconeri struggled to break lower blocks last season under Andrea Pirlo as they lacked the elegancy in midfield. Without proper service, the forward players found themselves isolated and frustrated.
With the addition of Locatelli, Juventus can become a free-flowing side and offer more services for the forward players. The dynamism of the new signing will help Allegri to implement a high pressing system. The Italian boss has Cristiano Ronaldo, Álvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala at his attacking disposal. And it will be interesting to see how he can infuse all of them into his system for the upcoming campaign.
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