Arsenal have reportedly offered the £34m asking price for star midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer, but they face stern competition for his sought-after signature.
The Gunners are among several clubs interested in signing Locatelli after he shone brightly for the Azzuri during this summer's European Championships.
But Juventus are also said to be keen on a move for the 23-year-old and have reportedly bid £25m plus a young midfielder as they look to beat Arsenal to land the rising star.
Mikel Arteta has made a new midfielder one of his top transfer priorities this summer, with Granit Xhaka on the verge of joining Roma.
Advert
The north London outfit have also been heavily linked with the likes of Lyon's Houssem Aouar, but Locatelli appears to remain their first choice target.
Just last week, Juventus had offered Sassuolo a player-plus-cash swap deal for Locatelli with midfielder Nicolo Fagioli used as lightweight in the deal.
But Fagioli's representative Andrea D'Amico says the promising 20-year-old will not be leaving Turin any time soon.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "I think Massimiliano Allegri wants to see him [Fagioli] in training to understand if he can be useful during the season.
"When he played against SPAL and Crotone last term, he proved he can be a protagonist of Juventus' future.
Advert
"Juventus would like to sign Locatelli and Arsenal have already offered €40m."
Despite Arsenal reportedly meeting Sassuolo valuation for Locatelli, the Gunners look set to be disappointed with Locatelli preferring to stay in Italy, according to the Guardian.
According to the report, Locatelli wants to play in the Champions League next season, something Arsenal cannot offer after finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Arsenal have not played in the competition for four years, with next season their first campaign out of Europe in 25 years - a key detail that will, inevitably, see them miss out on Locatelli.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Transfers, Premier League, Juventus, Arsenal
