Arsenal are reportedly in the mix to sign Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli if he does not sign a new deal at The Old Lady before the summer – a player that Italy manager Robert Mancini has likened to new Gunners signing Jorginho.
Locatelli, 25, joined Juventus on a two-year loan with an obligation to buy from Sassuolo in the summer of 2021. That obligation was with conditions, but those conditions are likely to have been met. He has played 67 times for Juventus.
The 24-time Italy ace is considered one of the best midfielders in Serie A. But, with Juve suffering a points deduction, many of their players are considering their future. It is unclear if Locatelli will sign a new deal at the Serie A giants.
The report from CMW claims that Juve want to tie him to a deal until 2026. But that Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation. Juve may struggle to qualify for Europe. Arsenal and Newcastle might get be in the top four.
Speaking in 2021, Italy manager Mancini – who has both Locatelli and new Arsenal man Jorginho at his disposal – says Locatelli has the qualities to come in for Jorginho when the latter is unavailable. He likened the two “playmakers”.
“When Jorginho is out, we need alternatives as a playmaker. Locatelli has the qualities to do it. He can play as an internal midfielder or a playmaker, so this is an extra option at our disposal,” Mancini said, as per Football Italia.
Mancini has likened Locatelli to new Arsenal signing Jorginho
Locatelli is an excellent midfielder. A player that was the beating heart of an Italy side that beat England on penalties to win Euro 2020. He is a top, top player. But, do Arsenal need him? The signing of Jorginho at Arsenal lessens the need.
Arsenal also have Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira. Vieira and Odegaard are the kind of 10’s in the side, Partey and Mo Elneny – who is injured – holding midfielders. Albert Sambi Lokonga has gone on loan.
If Locatelli was to join, he could do the Partey role. But he is best suited to the Xhaka role, one in front of Partey but behind Odegaard – a no.6. A lot may depend on whether Xhaka signs a new deal at The Emirates in the near future.
