ARSENAL are keeping tabs on Italy and Sassuolo‘s Manuel Locatelli at Euro 2020, according to reports.
The midfielder was a standout performer for Sassuolo in Serie A, helping them to an eighth-placed finish.
It earned him a place in Roberto Mancini’s 26-man squad for the delayed European Championships, which kicked off with Italy beating 3-0.
Locatelli started in a three-man midfield, partnering Chelsea’s Jorginho and Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan.
And according to Sky Italia, Arsenal could have been watching with keen interest after targeting the 23-year-old.
Manchester City, PSG, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also among the clubs interested in the Italian.
Sassuolo are reluctant to sell such a key part of their side, but it is believed an offer of £34million would be enough to convince them into a deal.
Arsenal are set to be in need of midfield reinforcements, with Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi potentially leaving after loan spells last season.
Ex-captain Granit Xhaka also faces an uncertain future, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma claimed to be in advanced talks to sign him.
Martin Odegaard, who arrived on loan fro Real Madrid in January, also appears unlikely to make his move permanent, and could return to Spain.
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Locatelli headed into the Euros admitting once the tournament is complete, he will be left to consider his next move.
He said: “It is just gossip. There is such an important competition to play and I am focused on that.
“It is normal to have rumours about the transfer market, but I will not let myself be influenced by them.’
“It would be a waste of time to think about that, even though I know that after the Euros will have some decisions to make.”
