Arsenal have lodged an “important bid” for Italy’s Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli, according to Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali.
Mikel Arteta is stepping up his summer transfer business, with the club having agreed a deal to sign left-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica for an initial £6.9m, and are closing in on Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
According to Carnevali, Locatelli is the Gunners’ next target. The 23-year-old has impressed at the Euros, most notably scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Switzerland in the group stage.
The race for Locatelli’s signature is fierce, with Juventus leading the queue for a player who is valued at around €40m £34m)
“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli,” he told Sky Italy.
“They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid... we will see.
“Juventus also want Locatelli and we have a special relationship with them. A new meeting has been scheduled with Juve.”
