ARSENAL still want Italian Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli – but they are reportedly only willing to pay £40million.
The Sassuolo midfielder was one of the star performers as he helped his nation to win the European Championship for the first time since 1968.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a transfer move to both Arsenal and Juventus.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who began their pre-season with a 2-1 defeat at Hibernian yesterday, are keen to get their hands on Locatelli.
But Football Daily claims they are only willing to fork out £40m for him.
Even if that fee is enough, they may face a tough task convincing the ace to choose them over Juventus.
Locatelli is understood to prefer a move to the Serie A giants due to them being in the Champions League.
But they are in dire straits financially and that could mean the Gunners are in a better position to secure his signature.
Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali has already confirmed a non-Italian club has contacted them regarding a deal.
He said: “We’re in talks for Locatelli with one club from abroad… and it’s really advanced.
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“We’re going to meet with Juventus in the next days, but there are no negotiations yet with Juve as Italian clubs are in a difficult financial situation.”
After Italy’s shootout victory over England to clinch the Euros, Locatelli refused to give anything away regarding his future.
He told Sky Italia: “I haven’t really thought about my next club so far, I was focused on the national team.
“From tomorrow [Monday] we will see what happens.
“I support Juventus? Right now we are here for the national team, so I support Italy.”
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