Arsenal plot move for Euro 2020 winner, he would be an ideal Caicedo alternative

Arsenal are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, according to reports from Italy.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan from Sassuolo, but he is yet to register a single goal or assist so far this season.

However, he was influential in Italy's Euro 2020 run to the final, scoring twice in their 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stages.

The Gunners are thought to be eager to sign another midfielder in the summer and Locatelli has been identified as a potential alternative to Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

Arsenal saw two bids worth up to £70million rejected for the Ecuador international, instead opting to sign Italian midfielder Jorginho on transfer deadline day.

Arsenal 'interested' in Locatelli

Locatelli has less than a year and a half left on his contract, with his future firmly in the balance.

According to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, Juventus are keen to tie him down to a permanent deal, with the aim of keeping him in Turin 'beyond the summer of 2026'.

However, the report states that both Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in signing the midfielder, with a Premier League move on the cards.

Juventus' current financial situation will no doubt aid Arsenal in their pursuit. The Old Lady were deducted 15 points after they were found guilty of capital gain violations, leaving them 13th in Serie A.

The financial implications could cause the club to sell several first team players.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are currently five points clear top of the Premier League table, making the Emirates an attractive proposition for players who want to play in the Champions League next season.

Arsenal were previously linked with Locatelli after his performance at Euro 2020, with Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevalli revealing in June that the north London side had made a bid for the player, as per Sky Sports.

The former AC Milan star elected to stay in his home country, but now it seems Arteta is ready to try again.

Topics: Arsenal, Juventus, Italy, Euro 2021, Moises Caicedo, Mikel Arteta, Serie A, Premier League, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno